In 1995 I worked for three months on the Falkland Islands at the invitation of the then Falklands Governor, Mr David Tatham. The commission, which was 'to give the islanders a view of themselves from the outside', resulted in twenty charcoal portraits as well as a further thirty larger drawings and oils - mostly in response to aspects of farming on the islands as well as their astonishing wildlife.
'Running Fence' - nine paintings, each in oil on paper, hanging low along the gallery wall at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle, UK in 1996 (part of my exhibition 'Looking Out from Within'). Each painting depicts a sheep skin hung out to dry on a wire fence. Rows of these headless skins can be found in some Falklands settlements . . creating very strange sights.
This large oil painting was made on my return to the UK from the Falkland Islands. 'Palenque' (Spanish: meaning 'arena' or 'palisade') is the name the Islanders have for the structure in the painting. Enormous Turkey Vultures, with their incredible sense of smell, are attracted to the curing carcass of beef from miles away . . . but are kept at bay by netting draped over the meat. In the foreground are sheep skins, also hung out to dry - see 'Running Fence'.
An edition of 85 with 10 artist's proofs. Printed, signed and numbered by the artist in 1987 at Lowick House Print Workshop, Cumbria, UK on John Purcell 285 gsm mould-made rag paper.
I made this print a couple of years after returning from a three month residency working on the Falkland Islands. The vast empty space of the South Atlantic had a great impact on me as well as the excitement of being so close to the fantastic wildlife. Depicted here are two Albatrosses gliding over the ocean, miles from land.
An edition of 85 with 20 artist's proofs. Although drawn in 1998 this 2nd state of Further South was printed, signed and numbered (by the artist) between 1998 at Northern Print Workshop, North Tyneside and 2001 at Blencarn, Cumbria, UK. Printed on John Purcell 285gsm mould-made 100% rag paper.