For Now I'm Winter (Narnia) - Original
- I could quite easily have created a scene set in a snowy forest clearing be it beautiful or dark but I wanted to tackle this piece from a completely different angle. I have set this as a ‘Storyteller’ style piece, one that embraces the depth and intensity that comes from producing a multi-layered narrative that drive the visual and open the viewers’ imagination to decide what has happened, what is happening and what could ultimately happen.
‘For Now I’m Winter’ is the title track of Olafar Arnalds album which together with the vocals of Arnor Dan has become a significant part of my work, featuring in pieces such as “Where Demons Roam’ for example. For me personally the phrase ‘For Now I’m Winter’ represents the acceptance by someone that things are not lost and that there is still the chance to recover from their current state no matter how far gone they are or think they are. So you might be experiencing the bleakest, darkest Winters but you accept that with Winter always comes Spring and with it the shoots of new growth that will if nurtured continue to grow. The question for the person studying this piece is do they see Winter or do they see Spring, are things too far gone or are they in recovery?
The primary narrative for this Narnia piece embraces the key objects and characters of the story and if you look, it still does actually show a forest clearing and snow through the deforestation caused by the battles that raged shown here as fire and also the snow drops that have forced their way through the charred earth. The wardrobe and light, both key objects from the story each have a place within the composition whilst there are more subtle references such as the rotten apple that is a link to the apple tree that was used to make the wardrobe initially.
These details create the scene and help to identify this darkened piece with Narnia whilst the focal point of the piece and ultimately the concept is Aslan, laying slain and restricted by stone, frozen in time. On first study it is a terribly sad scene, the body position and facial expression of the wounded lion that once ruled the land. Yet when you notice the snowdrops that surround him you will start to realise that maybe all is not lost and that wounds if treated can recover.
This brings me onto the deeper narrative that runs throughout the piece, one that most may not identify as being there but its’ there and makes this piece so much more poignant, powerful and ultimately positive. So much of my work is built around hope, shining a light into the darkest of shadows and this is showcased within ‘For Now I’m Winter’. Depending on experience past or present many will be able to identify with this concept either as the first or third person. Aslan is the person hypothetically wounded and in trouble, surrounded by the effects of the fires that burned around them but ultimately lying on ground where the flames have gone out, where new growth is starting to surround them.
The solitary dove feather that rests on the body represents the lasting impact of a loved ones’ care for the person in trouble, in Winter. The wardrobe is the open door, the escape out of this world, this is an incredibly powerful part. It could the permanent route back when Spring comes, it could be a temporary escape mechanism or it could be much worse when all other doors close. The galloping Fawn who is running away from the fire symbolises those who choose to run rather than help the person in need, something that is sadly all too common. Finally the light represents a pillar of hope and is what we are all drawn to, the light that shines brightest when surrounded by darkness.
For now I am Winter, lungs renew… -
- Released: 2017
- Collection: Through Darkness & Light
- Specification: 1 of 1 original framed embellished canvas, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 48” x 36"
- Framed Size: 54” x 41"
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
'Freddy's Coming For You!' - Freddy Krueger Claw Statement Piece
£795.00
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Gepetto he is not, but this carved wooden plinth displays the stuff of nightmares!
This intoxicating piece is the first offering to sit within his 'Against The Grain' series, a body of work that will grow over time and represents Mark's intention to continue to do things differently. Mark has built up an incredible reputation for the level of craft that shines through his unique frames, and it is these details that you now see in this piece.
Everything about this is unique, from Mark hand selecting the piece of Elm at a local timber mill through to carving the claw marks that are soaked in blood red resin. No two will, or can be the same. What starts with a beautiful (and innocent!) piece of Elm, is then stained, blackened, bashed and burnt. The haunting Freddy Claw glove has it's metal blades set into the blood resin channels and is then subjected to the same level of customisation as the plinth.
Limited to what will be just 20 original variations and priced incredibly well considering the level of craftsmanship and hours needed to create each piece. This is something that needs to be seen close up to be truly appreciated, but how close do you dare get to that glove?!
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- Released: 2022
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood
- Edition Size: 20 Original Variations
- Specification:
- Hand selected locally sourced Elm (obviously!)
- Hand carved claw marks filled with blood red resin
- Blackened and burned
- Metal bladed claw glove
- Title and number plaque
- Hand signed by artist - Plinth Size (Approx): 19” x 9.5”
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- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 21 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
'Grab Your Stick!' - Proton Wand Statement Piece
£995.00
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Now this is for the true obsessive GB fans! Whether you call it a Particle Thrower, Proton Blaster, Proton Gun, Positron Collider, Neutrona Wand, or Proton Wand, the result is the same! This piece looks like it’s been in a real battle and got slimed and fried AF!
I’m always striving to mix things up and look at ways of introducing my art in new formats and connecting with my collectors. Halloween 2022 saw me release something very different, and bloody dark! My Nightmare on Elm Street Claw plinth was the first piece that I have done that broke away from the traditional print editions and I loved every moment of it, and it has been so well received. It was a signal of my intentions to keep pushing and to deliver pieces that were true to my style but working with movie props to create something unique and special, whilst remaining true to my style of work. The aim was to offer a supporting piece that would complement a traditional print edition.So, my ‘RETROPLASM’ series has given me the opportunity to build on this and do something much less dark, although I couldn’t resist getting the blow torch out! ‘Grab Your Stick’ has transformed one of the coolest movie props that there has even been and made it, well I guess, funkier, and that’s before you turn the lights off – yep, the resin base glows in the dark whilst the neon paint also comes alive under lairy coloured light.
You are free to grab your stick, flick the switches and fire the sucker up! It will slam you right back to your childhood, just don’t cross the streams! Why not? Put simply, coz it’s bad, very bad! If you’re fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing, then maybe this will help. Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.
Oh, but don’t stress too much, batteries are included!
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- Released: 2023
- Collection: RETROPLASM
- Edition Size: 20 Original Variations
- Specification:
- Light up LED, sound effects and vibrations
- Blackened and burned
- Small parts to connect the stand to the wand - fragile - handle with care.
- Hand signed by artist - Baseh Size (Approx): 23.5” x 8”
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- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 21 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
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88 & Out - Original
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- Released: 2019
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood 2
- Specification: 1 of 1 original framed embellished canvas, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 48” x 36"
- Framed Size: 54” x 41"