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Still Life (Collage)
Still Life Collage, 1989
Mixed media on paperConstructing Identity: A Collage in Layers (1989)
This collage, a piece I created back in 1989, is about the construction of identity, the way we build ourselves from fragments of experience, memory, and influence. It’s a process of layering, of adding and subtracting, of revealing and concealing.
The central figure, formed from dark, almost charred-looking materials, represents the core of the self. It’s not a literal portrait, but rather an evocation of the human form. The features are simplified, almost primal, suggesting a universal human experience. The lighter brown shape that crowns the figure, almost like a rough-hewn crown or head covering, adds another layer of complexity. It might suggest societal pressures, inherited traits, or even simply the external world shaping the individual.
The background is where the layering truly comes into play. It’s a mix of textures and materials, each representing different aspects of the environment that shapes us. There are rough, earthy browns suggesting the grounding influence of nature and heritage. The elongated white form on the left could be a building, a symbol of societal structures, or perhaps a natural form like a rock formation—the interpretation is left open. The touches of metallic gold, almost like fragments of memory or fleeting moments of beauty, add a touch of the ethereal.
The process of creating this collage was very much about the act of building, of piecing together fragments to create a whole. I wasn’t working from a pre-conceived image; instead, the piece evolved organically as I added and subtracted materials. The textures, the colors, the way the different elements interact with each other—all of these contribute to the overall narrative.
This collage isn’t meant to offer easy answers. It’s an exploration of the complexities of identity, the interplay between the internal self and the external world. It’s an invitation to the viewer to engage with the piece, to find their own meaning within the layers.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Red Rum Wins The 1973 Grand National
Red Rum Wins The 1973 Grand National, 2018
Oil on canvas
21×29.7 cm
Private collectionTalk about a Comeback: Red Rum Steals the Show at the 1973 Grand National
The Grand National. A grueling test of horse and jockey, a splash of chaos, and a whole lot of mud. But in the annals of this legendary race, few victories shine brighter than Red Rum’s thunderous win in 1973.
This wasn’t your average race. Picture this: Red Rum, a nine-year-old gelding with a bit of a rogue reputation, trails behind for most of the course. The crowd is buzzing, everyone’s eyes glued to the favorite, Crisp, who seems to have a comfortable lead.
But then, something magical happens. Red Rum, with jockey Charlie Thornton on his back, turns on the afterburners. He surges forward, defying fatigue and doubt, neck and neck with Crisp in a heart-stopping final stretch. The crowd goes wild, the ground seems to tremble, and… Red Rum explodes across the finish line first!
This wasn’t just a win. It was a record-shattering victory. Red Rum obliterated the course record by a whopping 23 seconds, a feat that wouldn’t be surpassed for another 17 years!
But Red Rum’s story doesn’t end there. He would return to conquer the Grand National twice more, in 1974 and 1975, becoming a national treasure and a symbol of unwavering determination.
The 1973 win wasn’t just a sporting triumph, it was a cinematic moment. It showed that even when you’re down in the dirt, with the odds stacked against you, a surge of heart and a little bit of luck can propel you to victory.
So, next time you’re facing a challenge, remember Red Rum. Dig deep, find that extra gear, and who knows, you might just surprise yourself (and everyone else) with an epic comeback of your own.
