Any copy of Rublev’s icon of the Archangel Michael is by axiomatic definition, a poor copy. At just 10x15cm this is a mere 1:100 scale version of the original masterpiece, however as Ouspensky taught, the old icons are the best teachers.
Jynx Torquilla
The idea of this work came to me from thinking about the hierarchy of birds and which species would be more likely to be witnesses to great events by virtue of their innate presence or spiritual connection. The eurasian Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) emerged as a fascinating subject of study for a painting, and in time one worthy of capturing in the form of a traditional Russian icon.
Podiceps Christatus
The interaction of birds in a ritualised and choreographed, yet innate, manner is a wonder to behold. The fact remains however that the courtship display of the great crested grebe (Podiceps Cristatus) is also beautiful. Do the birds recognise this as such? This painting seeks to communicate some of the quiet dignity of this miraculous behaviour and also suggests that the birds do of course recognise the creative beauty of their dance-like movement.
To reduce this spectacle to some kind of programmed behaviour coded in the genome is fashionable, but I think the birds know better. The sequence AGCT can never spell JOY.
The title of the work is of course deliberate.. Quod scripsi, scripsi.
155x205mm, metal leaf, painted gesso board
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The Cave Dweller
At this time of year, the sound of autumn is for many characterised by an elusive chattering and ticking from deep within the thicket or hedge. The call of the Wren, explosive in its nature, belies its tiny size and is a hint to why for many thousands of years it has held an elevated position in the hierarchy of birds. It is the King of the Birds, celebrated on St Stephen’s Day, the ubiquitous companion to wood and garden and a master-singer – familiar to all.
As its taxonomy suggests the Wren in this painting is indeed the cave dweller, an axiomatic form that also has a peculiar and wonderful resonance with the early Russian iconographers. The full voice of the bird is summoned from the darkness.. by the leaf of autumn, the bud of spring or the unfurling clouds of Heaven.
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Turdus philomelos
Smaller passerines appear to have richer songs. Those blessed with a particularly fine voice are blesséd indeed. The repeated phrases of the Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) are an example of this, offering an enigmatic and persuasive presence in woodland, particularly on a fine evening, and suggestive that their voice is compelled by joy as much as necessity.
This work is in a larger ikon form than others I have painted. The thrush is perched on a branch of The Oak of Mamre, having emerged from the darkness of the cave to sing at the first light of dawn.
Listen.
Watch.
Turdus Philomelos
Painted gesso board and metal leaf (2017)
34 x 43cm
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