This is my entry into this years John Moores painting prize, I will find out on the 6th of April if I have made it through stage 1. I think its important for artists to express how they feel both politically and emotionally through their practise. Too much emphasis is placed on being a successful artist, pandering to public ideals of what they are led to believe is art. Forever trying to hit a brief or capture a market , whats wrong with just creating something just for the pleasure of creating. Entering into the unknown, following an idea through, blindly believing that something worthwhile will appear in front of you.
Some of the easiest paintings I have completed have come this way, but I have been too lacking in confidence to put them out for public viewing, fearing rejection or critical response. Feeling that there should be more too it than merely just creating something.
Recently I have been working with a new emerging artist who has taken Art for what it is, enjoyment, he has tackled his feelings, past, and present and exploded these into being with any possible means. His shear creativity and fearless approach has been truly inspirational, and I credit this piece to working with him over the past 18 months. He too has entered something for the competition something quite outlandish , something that I can't even begin to comprehend; but does this matter, just the fact that its in the mix, is enough.
So together we are waiting for the 6th of April, me quietly, cynically, hoping and my good friend outrageously optimistic, well maybe just quietly oblivious, if it gets in so be it, if not it doesn't really matter. The important thing being that we created honestly and with vigour.
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