We are the Dreamers of Dreams (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) Story Book - Original
- Welcome inside my mind, strange isn’t it! Many of you won’t know that this is the third piece that I have done on this classic story and film. The first two pieces were created as commissioned works back in 2015 when I first created my ‘Storyteller’ body of work. ‘Charlie’ and ‘Sink or Swim’ were obscure, narrative driven and dark, darker that one of Wonka’s bars of chocolate lodged in Augustus’ deep crevasses and folds! Really?! Sorry, like I said, welcome inside my mind!
‘Wolves, Wonderment and Wanderlust’ is a truly balanced boutique ‘Storyteller’ collection, it is dark, light, and downright bizarre, guess which one this falls under. The brilliant story writing (not by me!) lends itself to falling into all three but I have wanted to create a quirky and bizarre piece on this classic for an age so now was the perfect opportunity! As with my ‘Wind in the Willows’ piece, there is a vast number of opportunities to create a whole range of pieces on this masterpiece, but I must save some room for later! (You get it right?!)
As a kid, I remember the Roald Dahl books well and I will without doubt do a collection purely on his genius storytelling. Without a doubt though, the film that starred the amazing Gene Wilder is what stirs up my fondest memories, it just has everything! You know how I love to show the proximity of darkness and light and how they are interwoven, and the film does that and more. I just love it. The settings within the factory are iconic as well as the much more recent version that starred the brilliant Johnny Depp. It was crucial that my version didn’t end up being influenced by either of those, that would have been lazy and too easy. So, what you see is a glimpse inside my mind, my imagination. I hope you like it.
‘We are the Dreamers of Dreams’ takes the ‘Wonderment’ spot from this collection. The aim was to create that open mouthed reaction if you were to walk into the cavernous opening within the factory. Just don’t keep your mouth open too long, way too many parrots and toucans up there! There’s a lot to take in eh! The intensity of the backdrop is nuts, and that’s before you even notice the paddle steamer! There’s no earthly way of knowing which direction that’s going! Well, it’s heading into a tunnel but what lays in wait? That’s where you come in, I’ll pass the wheel to you.
The serene chocolate river is a contrast to the powerful waterfall that cascades downwards. That detail was introduced from my love of challenging myself technically. ‘Hey You Guuuys’ (Goonies) was a much earlier piece that featured magical waterfalls within a cave and I was waiting for a new opportunity, so here we are. This piece is a classic example of how I set off on a journey creating the scene but without being too concise and pre-planned. I wanted it to evolve, to go off on random deviations as my imagination opens up. I guess that is what makes artists different to another, it’s how your mind works that makes the piece authentic and true.
I wanted to inject an industrial quality but with a cute and colourful approach so that is why the pipes that transport god knows what are shaped as plastic bendy drinking straws. The ‘steam punk’ inspired paddle steamer is like no other. I didn’t want to use something like the films as like I said before, too easy, and if you have read my ‘Wanderlust’ narrative you’ll know why! The control rooms that are set within the rock walls are inspired by Gaudi’s architecture – drawing from a past art trip to Barcelona in my college days. Memories stick don’t they, it’s great to be able to bring this into my work in such a different way than I maybe planned back then.
Like I mentioned before, I love the dark element to the films, how it flips from light to dark without warning. I love the morals that are conveyed in the storytelling and especially the greed element. Since 2016, I have used the line ‘Greed Breeds Monsters’ in my work and it sits perfectly here. Greed really does breed Wonkas! If you hold that thought and seek out an element within the scene it can help to position what you are seeing. My lips are sealed shut, as if holding a handful of everlasting gobstoppers in my, well, gob!
So why the flamingo? Why not! My 2021 ‘Open Door’ piece was an earlier example of me opening my imagination and showing my random way of thinking. Is it the same one? Maybe, why not? They run for miles yet look like they skip leg day. Joking aside, I really do hope that I have done this justice, I know I am proud of it but when you are referencing such brilliance in storytelling there is quite some pressure there. I share an un-wanted affiliation with the battles that Gene Wilder faced, and I would love to think that my work would capture his sparkle and raise a smile if he could see. Rest in peace Gene. X We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams, life is way too fucking short, it really is.
We really don’t know what the future holds so embrace now, think bigger, dream bigger, be brighter, act with integrity and be authentic. Be a bit more Wonka!
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- Released: 2022
- Collection: Wolves, Wonderment & Wanderlust
- Edition Size: 1 of 1 Original
- Specification: Mixed media original piece, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 32” x 24"
- Framed Size (Approx): 38” x 30"
Commissions
When workload allows Mark embraces client commissions and has enjoyed amazing success to date. If you have been inspired by the work that you have seen and have a specific idea or simply a seed then please do get in touch.
Commission EnquiriesRelated Items
Fight or Flight (Little Red Riding Hood) - Canvas Limited Edition
£1,295.00
- Beware, wolves lurk in every guise.
‘Fight or Flight’ is my third interpretation of the intensely dark tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and it is one that is as authentic as possible. Art with meaning, it is how I speak, how I scream, how I bleed. Do you see this as a truly dark piece, or much, much lighter? I’m genuinely really interested to hear your interpretation. Everyone’s minds and stories are different.
The scene is set deep within a forest, and further on than what was shown back in 2015 and my ‘Red Light Spells Danger’ piece. I have taken a bold step to introduce the cloaked figure with the single intention that it truly transforms the emotion that this piece of art exonerates. By being shown from behind, I hope it resonates with many, many people. The moment I placed the figure (I refrain from saying ‘her’ for the reason I just mentioned) it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I know why I created this piece and that moment when the impact of the image and its narrative just hits you right in-between the eyes.
You see someone who is on a path, a journey, a moment when they walk on, approached by, and flanked by wolves. Each wolf represents another challenge, another beast that needs to be tamed, if not killed. Look closely, a wolf is literally on their back, I did say look closely! Now look at the cloak, look at the sheer depth and richness of that red. With that saturation comes shadows and there lies the problem. Light and dark, very dark.
Blackened, twisting thorns are interwoven with red roses and drive their way through the forest floor. Darkness resides to light in such a way that it can trip you up, the most painful falls are the unexpected ones. Sweetest tongue, sharpest tooth.
Rose petals from their cloak leave a trail of love and kindness reinforcing that the figure is good, wonderfully good yet who’s feet grow tired with the weight of the wolf on their back. Not every beast can be killed, sometimes it is just the acceptance that it can’t ever truly be slain but it can at least be tamed through the act of love, loving oneself. Keeping one’s wolves at bay can be enough to help you on your path.
A truly beautiful and pivotal detail within this scene is what exists beyond the figure, a clearing, a brief respite. What exists even before that is crucial. A beautiful white deer stands fixated and offers that much-needed guidance. Look upwards, the all-seeing owl offers wisdom in decision making. All hope is not lost. It never will be.
A copse can over time turn into a forest, those trees grow taller, denser, and harder to navigate between. The roots if fed, grow deeper and thicker and turn what was a thin trunk into something much stronger that creates darker shadows. Branches grow outwards and mask the light, to the point that it becomes harder to see the light of day and you become lost, lost in a forest of denial. If left unattended, what was once easily managed becomes so gnarled and claustrophobic that all hope can become lost and the brightest of sunlight is unable to penetrate through. Forests have clearings that offer respite and space to breathe, space to think before you’re back amongst the thick of it but stronger, taller.
Everyone is different, everyone’s reasons for becoming lost are different. We all choose different paths, we deviate off them, we are pushed and kicked off them but with guidance we can, and always must find our way back to our path. That path may then look very different to how it looked when our footsteps were lighter and shadows smaller, or when more walked with us, but it is our path. Keep your head up so that you can see the signs and your eyes open to acknowledge the dangers. How far in do you go before you admit and accept that you are lost? Do you choose a longer way out but it’s your way or do you accept guidance from others? There’s never any shame in that, sometimes the forest is just too dense and dark and you’re tired. With tiredness comes weakness and that leaves you open to attack from the wolves, either those that surround you, those that hide and hunt in packs or from the wolf within. Which has the sharpest tooth?
But please, no matter how dense the forest is that you walk within, remember that every forest comes to an end, and in its place, space to see, space to breathe and with it, the first steps on your path. You hold the axe, make your mark, small, sustained cuts initially or a single blow. This applies to how you enter, and how you leave your forest. The strongest trees can fall. X
-
- Released: 2022
- Collection: Wolves, Wonderment & Wanderlust
- Edition Size: 10 + 2AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 36” x 27"
- Framed Size (Approx): 43” x 34"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
Fight or Flight (Little Red Riding Hood) - Large Limited Edition
£555.00
- Beware, wolves lurk in every guise.
‘Fight or Flight’ is my third interpretation of the intensely dark tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and it is one that is as authentic as possible. Art with meaning, it is how I speak, how I scream, how I bleed. Do you see this as a truly dark piece, or much, much lighter? I’m genuinely really interested to hear your interpretation. Everyone’s minds and stories are different.
The scene is set deep within a forest, and further on than what was shown back in 2015 and my ‘Red Light Spells Danger’ piece. I have taken a bold step to introduce the cloaked figure with the single intention that it truly transforms the emotion that this piece of art exonerates. By being shown from behind, I hope it resonates with many, many people. The moment I placed the figure (I refrain from saying ‘her’ for the reason I just mentioned) it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I know why I created this piece and that moment when the impact of the image and its narrative just hits you right in-between the eyes.
You see someone who is on a path, a journey, a moment when they walk on, approached by, and flanked by wolves. Each wolf represents another challenge, another beast that needs to be tamed, if not killed. Look closely, a wolf is literally on their back, I did say look closely! Now look at the cloak, look at the sheer depth and richness of that red. With that saturation comes shadows and there lies the problem. Light and dark, very dark.
Blackened, twisting thorns are interwoven with red roses and drive their way through the forest floor. Darkness resides to light in such a way that it can trip you up, the most painful falls are the unexpected ones. Sweetest tongue, sharpest tooth.
Rose petals from their cloak leave a trail of love and kindness reinforcing that the figure is good, wonderfully good yet who’s feet grow tired with the weight of the wolf on their back. Not every beast can be killed, sometimes it is just the acceptance that it can’t ever truly be slain but it can at least be tamed through the act of love, loving oneself. Keeping one’s wolves at bay can be enough to help you on your path.
A truly beautiful and pivotal detail within this scene is what exists beyond the figure, a clearing, a brief respite. What exists even before that is crucial. A beautiful white deer stands fixated and offers that much-needed guidance. Look upwards, the all-seeing owl offers wisdom in decision making. All hope is not lost. It never will be.
A copse can over time turn into a forest, those trees grow taller, denser, and harder to navigate between. The roots if fed, grow deeper and thicker and turn what was a thin trunk into something much stronger that creates darker shadows. Branches grow outwards and mask the light, to the point that it becomes harder to see the light of day and you become lost, lost in a forest of denial. If left unattended, what was once easily managed becomes so gnarled and claustrophobic that all hope can become lost and the brightest of sunlight is unable to penetrate through. Forests have clearings that offer respite and space to breathe, space to think before you’re back amongst the thick of it but stronger, taller.
Everyone is different, everyone’s reasons for becoming lost are different. We all choose different paths, we deviate off them, we are pushed and kicked off them but with guidance we can, and always must find our way back to our path. That path may then look very different to how it looked when our footsteps were lighter and shadows smaller, or when more walked with us, but it is our path. Keep your head up so that you can see the signs and your eyes open to acknowledge the dangers. How far in do you go before you admit and accept that you are lost? Do you choose a longer way out but it’s your way or do you accept guidance from others? There’s never any shame in that, sometimes the forest is just too dense and dark and you’re tired. With tiredness comes weakness and that leaves you open to attack from the wolves, either those that surround you, those that hide and hunt in packs or from the wolf within. Which has the sharpest tooth?
But please, no matter how dense the forest is that you walk within, remember that every forest comes to an end, and in its place, space to see, space to breathe and with it, the first steps on your path. You hold the axe, make your mark, small, sustained cuts initially or a single blow. This applies to how you enter, and how you leave your forest. The strongest trees can fall. X
-
- Released: 2022
- Collection: Wolves, Wonderment & Wanderlust
- Edition Size: 10 + 2AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 32” x 24"
- Framed Size (Approx): 42.5” x 35"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
 Story Book - Original&media=https://markdaviesbritishartist.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/DOD-Book-Original-Hero_600x.jpg?v=1645720612){kind=link}
Fight or Flight (Little Red Riding Hood) - Original
- Beware, wolves lurk in every guise.
‘Fight or Flight’ is my third interpretation of the intensely dark tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and it is one that is as authentic as possible. Art with meaning, it is how I speak, how I scream, how I bleed. Do you see this as a truly dark piece, or much, much lighter? I’m genuinely really interested to hear your interpretation. Everyone’s minds and stories are different.
The scene is set deep within a forest, and further on than what was shown back in 2015 and my ‘Red Light Spells Danger’ piece. I have taken a bold step to introduce the cloaked figure with the single intention that it truly transforms the emotion that this piece of art exonerates. By being shown from behind, I hope it resonates with many, many people. The moment I placed the figure (I refrain from saying ‘her’ for the reason I just mentioned) it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. I know why I created this piece and that moment when the impact of the image and its narrative just hits you right in-between the eyes.
You see someone who is on a path, a journey, a moment when they walk on, approached by, and flanked by wolves. Each wolf represents another challenge, another beast that needs to be tamed, if not killed. Look closely, a wolf is literally on their back, I did say look closely! Now look at the cloak, look at the sheer depth and richness of that red. With that saturation comes shadows and there lies the problem. Light and dark, very dark.
Blackened, twisting thorns are interwoven with red roses and drive their way through the forest floor. Darkness resides to light in such a way that it can trip you up, the most painful falls are the unexpected ones. Sweetest tongue, sharpest tooth.
Rose petals from their cloak leave a trail of love and kindness reinforcing that the figure is good, wonderfully good yet who’s feet grow tired with the weight of the wolf on their back. Not every beast can be killed, sometimes it is just the acceptance that it can’t ever truly be slain but it can at least be tamed through the act of love, loving oneself. Keeping one’s wolves at bay can be enough to help you on your path.
A truly beautiful and pivotal detail within this scene is what exists beyond the figure, a clearing, a brief respite. What exists even before that is crucial. A beautiful white deer stands fixated and offers that much-needed guidance. Look upwards, the all-seeing owl offers wisdom in decision making. All hope is not lost. It never will be.
A copse can over time turn into a forest, those trees grow taller, denser, and harder to navigate between. The roots if fed, grow deeper and thicker and turn what was a thin trunk into something much stronger that creates darker shadows. Branches grow outwards and mask the light, to the point that it becomes harder to see the light of day and you become lost, lost in a forest of denial. If left unattended, what was once easily managed becomes so gnarled and claustrophobic that all hope can become lost and the brightest of sunlight is unable to penetrate through. Forests have clearings that offer respite and space to breathe, space to think before you’re back amongst the thick of it but stronger, taller.
Everyone is different, everyone’s reasons for becoming lost are different. We all choose different paths, we deviate off them, we are pushed and kicked off them but with guidance we can, and always must find our way back to our path. That path may then look very different to how it looked when our footsteps were lighter and shadows smaller, or when more walked with us, but it is our path. Keep your head up so that you can see the signs and your eyes open to acknowledge the dangers. How far in do you go before you admit and accept that you are lost? Do you choose a longer way out but it’s your way or do you accept guidance from others? There’s never any shame in that, sometimes the forest is just too dense and dark and you’re tired. With tiredness comes weakness and that leaves you open to attack from the wolves, either those that surround you, those that hide and hunt in packs or from the wolf within. Which has the sharpest tooth?
But please, no matter how dense the forest is that you walk within, remember that every forest comes to an end, and in its place, space to see, space to breathe and with it, the first steps on your path. You hold the axe, make your mark, small, sustained cuts initially or a single blow. This applies to how you enter, and how you leave your forest. The strongest trees can fall. X
-
- Released: 2022
- Collection: Wolves, Wonderment & Wanderlust
- Edition Size: 1 of 1 Original
- Specification: Mixed media original piece, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 48” x 36"
- Framed Size (Approx): 54” x 41"