Greed Breeds Monsters (Jurassic Park) - Original
- I absolutely loved this film, amplified because of my fascination for dinosaurs as a child. T-Rex was always a favourite for me and the fact that he featured with such dramatic effect in the Spielberg picture albeit with pretty harsh results made it such a great film personally. The majestic nature of the creatures, brought back to life was incredible to see whilst the darkness that ran throughout the narrative coupled with sheer terror in parts resonated with me when I was made aware of this commission. I’m not sure if the T-Rex devouring the guy sat on the toilet left more of a lasting impression on me than the spitting Velociraptor that ate the tubby guy in the jeep, that was terrifying to watch. Actually I would have to say the latter as it was one dinosaur that I didn’t include in this piece so subconsciously it must still be deep-rooted! The great thing was that I got the chance to meet the client at my recent show, James had previously commissioned the BFG piece and shared with me how that story and resulting piece brought back so many special memories for him. Based on that I have no doubt that he has a real affiliation with Jurassic Park so I was hell-bent on exceeding his expectations.
A quick google image search on the film is dominated by images of scenes set during the storm, with terrifying dinosaurs, lashing rain and huge gates. Whilst all of these are clearly representative of the qualities of the film I wanted to go in a different direction, creating an intriguing scenario that is full of detail that is open to interpretation that allows the viewer to decide what has happened or in the midst of happening. I wanted to create a landscape that was beautiful, really beautiful, one of scale and wonder yet one that has a darkened, bare and exposed quality to contrast and set the tone for the darker side of the film. The landscape is set on a steep incline with bare land and twisted roots, in a clearing and on high where flying creatures can swoop down at any time to pick you off. The broken rock landscape is my way of showing the breached perimeter from the park. I had to get T-Rex into the scene without simply showing him so what I have done is to create a gnarled old tree that has grown into the shape of the creatures leg and clawed foot. The aim here is to be subtle initially, do you see a dinosaur or do you see a tree first? The film is all about the conflict between creature and creator and I wanted to showcase this in the layout. The iconic Jeep is parked directly opposite the tree, creating a stand off almost, directly bringing the two powers together.
The title of the piece 'Greed Breeds Monsters’ is statement that showcases my acknowledgement of the darkened plot and also of the bigger picture to what is a global problem in society and business. Should reincarnating the Dinosaurs be embraced and allowed? Possibly, done for the right reasons and within the right hands. With success come people that brings money that brings opportunities that expose weaknesses. This is where the darkness comes. It only takes one bad egg to overpower all the good that then creates a new Mother Nature, possibly a new God but one that gives life to the innocent that are born into hate. My piece is dominated by the powerful landscape, the tree and the jeep whilst a good number of smaller references pay homage to the film whilst also supporting my concept. Untarnished but already impacted innocence exists next to objects of destruction, be that a rifle or a dollar bill. Ultimately from the battle between creature and creator there is a sacrifice, stood in the middle of the two dominant objects here is the goat, a key ‘object’ from the story and one that was perfectly placed to illustrate this sacrifice. Subtle floating light detail are attracted to the things that are good and fragile whilst dark smoke and flames surround objects that have brought destruction. The beautiful glow from the sky bring in light and signifies hope, unaffected by the the conflict that is shines upon.
Although I have left so much open to interpretation I have suggested however that the scene shown is set further on after the dramatic events within the park where the good plan had imploded into carnage. The branded experience set up by the parks owners was left in tatters and most probably should have been left well alone, to be reclaimed by nature. However an opportunist with an eye for a fortune looks to have exploited how exposed the venture was and has taken it on, whether it is being driven by good or bad hands is up to you. Is the past the past or is it the future? Who ultimately is the creator and who is actually the creature? -
- Released: 2017
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood
- 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"