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Web by Louise |
Profile
of the artist Keith Elliott
2006/7
have been great years with a successful exhibitions at the Gallery Café in the
Queens Theatre Barnstaple and following a trip to New Zealand a exhibition at
the Wonford Conference Centre Exeter. Traveling around New Zealand for three
months from November 2006 was awesome. There were times when I was overwhelmed
by the starkness and vibrancy of the landscapes of sea and mountain; the colours
are rich and fruity, dripping with texture. I find myself continually being
stimulated by the ever-changing landscape whether of North Devon or the
ever-changing shadows of the concrete jungle of our large cities. I believe that
art is something that should not only be seen but must evoke a response from
deep within and so begin a journey! As an artist the challenge for me is how to
capture the sensuality that colour evokes for it could be said that art is the
mother of emotion and as an artist I seek to engage with the viewer and gain a
response for as the eye travels over the work we are either warmed or left cold.
This is the beginning, the start of a whole series of sensations. What does the
form say, what does the colour say, what do they evoke? Colour, texture and
movement have always fascinated me, I have always tried to be honest to my own
emotions and harness them to capture the emotions of the mysteries of life and
death. I use mixed mediums primarily acrylics, oils and pastels and sometimes
whatever is at hand. I use water colours from time to time in style of washes and
tears (as seen in “The Hill”) always seeking to draw the viewer ever deeper
into the depth of the painting. The painting symbolises the stark transient realities of life
as the man wrestles on bended knees.
Twelve years ago I moved to North
Devon with my wife Jo and our two daughters, living first in Chawleigh,
Chulmleigh where I was the curate and more recently at Roundswell, Barnstaple
where I am a vicar. Since I was fifteen faith has played a large part in my
life. There have been many changes, ups and downs but Jesus has remained
constant. For me art is a bit like faith, I start with a blank canvas and I take
that first tentative step, part of discovering the images, the textures, the
emotions and then having the courage to stop and know that its finished. I have
painted for most of my life. When I was in Deptford London I received much
encouragement from many artist friends and latterly I received helpful tuition
from the late Arthur Parsons, artist and colleague.
For information on how to purchase my work please contact me