‘Bring Me To Life' (Harry Potter) - Large Limited Edition
£595.00
- The sheer brilliance of Harry Potter could see it fall within both my ‘Storyteller’ and ‘Lost in Hollywood’ collections, as can many other subjects as many start off in print. For me however, due to the incredible art of Storytelling by J.K Rowling, I have positioned this as a ‘Storyteller’ piece.
As I am celebrating and acknowledging a decade of creating art with meaning, I have spent a good time reflecting on past pieces, from 2014 and 2015 especially when so much of my work was deemed quite niche due to the complexity of the concept and meaning. Many were so obscure you may not have known of the story that it was born from. That was probably a good thing when I was commissioned at that time to create a piece on ‘50 Shades of Grey!’ It was a great period as so many were collector or gallery requests to simply take on a favourite book and interpret it how I saw fit. As an artist in my formative years and one that lacked confidence and direction, I was always humbled by this show of faith in me as a storyteller tasked with looking after their investment as well as a subject that often involved a deeply personal link.
A good number of these were based on Harry Potter, they included The Room of Requirement and Hogwarts and would often involve that choice between darkness and light. So, for 2024 I wanted to embrace this and go back to my roots as such whilst also hopefully demonstrating my progression from a technical perspective. It’s always a tricky one when you list out the subjects that you are going to be releasing as when collectors see a title, their minds start racing and that can be challenging when you know that you have taken something on that is not blatant and instead using the very essence of the story but in a way that means it can relate to many others who may not even know or care that it has links to the title. So, I am always very transparent with that. ‘Draco Dormiens’ and ‘Anything’s Possible’ are two very successful pieces that I have created in the past and both scream Harry Potter without needing to tackle the narrative. For ‘Bring Me To Life’ I wanted to make it all about the meaning.
What you see here is an image and its narrative inspired from a much earlier piece called ‘The Struggle Within’ which focused on the Mirror of Erised and the choices we make with the battle between dark and light. In addition to this I have also embraced the success of past pieces ‘Fight or Flight’ and ‘Lithium’ that each involved a cloaked figure that, along with the meaning, dominated the artwork, making the fairy tale simply become a subtle link. It was the cloaked figure that drew me in with my initial thinking for ‘Bring Me To Life’ as it creates so much intrigue and ability for people to relate for so many reasons. There was a clear link as I could then focus in on the Cloak of Invisibility.
However, I wanted more from this piece. If I had simply put a stationary cloaked figure stood in front of the mirror, it would have looked great but ultimately static. I wanted to push it and myself further and show the point where the reaction happened from when the figure looked into the mirror. That way there is more drama and emotion and a stronger link to the underlying narrative. You must push yourself as an artist and storyteller. So, what you see is almost ghostlike in appearance, it is haunting and creates a response. The cloak of Invisibility and the Mirror of Erised work in unison here through the meaning that drives this piece. What I have done is to depict someone who lacks confidence, self-belief, self-worth and direction and through wearing their cloak they feel or want to feel invisible to others. Sad but true.
Now here is where you take control, what do you see, or need to see? The mirror is meant to show you your deepest, most inner desires, but what do you see? Are we looking at the figure reacting in a positive or negative manner from what they are shown? That’s not for me to dictate. I have simply handed this over to become your artwork, your interpretation, your reason for connecting. Whichever you decide, the next step is the same – the figure has a decision to make, which way do they turn? You can see from the exploding glass shards that there is a reaction, a connection. What we do know is that the truth is there, like it or not. How can you see into my eyes like open doors? Because eyes are like mirrors or doors into one’s soul.
If you look through the exploding glass you will see that the forest awaits, hinting that regardless of which direction you choose to embark on, you are going on a journey. Personally, I absolutely adore this detail, see how the red detail links to the tiny red sections on the stained-glass windows? Look at the scrawled messaging on the walls and the floors if you please. It’s sad, so sad but still ultimately positive. The figure is at that point, looking for answers, for hope, whilst acknowledging where they are at that moment in their life. ‘Searching to find a love upon a higher level’ contrasts with ‘finding nothing but questions and devils’ suggests that they are truly lost and wanting to be found. ‘You are the life among the dead, bring me to life, save me from the nothing I’ve become’. Heart-breaking isn’t it, and sadly all too common. However, no one is ever truly alone, there is always hope and good souls to guide you.
Music drove this piece; it took it to a higher level. It battered me throughout, it haunts me now, I’m trying to type through tears. ‘Last Resort – Reimagined by Falling in Reverse is the song. In addition, ‘Bring me to life’ by Evanescence adds to the emotion within the image and its narrative. I love how close darkness resides to light and the battles that play out between good and evil, it resonates, and runs amok through my art. Life is all about decision making right? So, you’ve seen what you wanted to see or feared you would see. What now? Which way? Look left and you’ll see the beauty of guidance and direction from those who you have loved and learned from. Look right and you see those who haunt you, who stalk you, those who ‘lie’ in wait for you, who prey on your vulnerability. Fuckers! You’re stronger than you think, braver than you realise, and despite what you may think, you are never, ever on your own!
Choose life, please x
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- Released: 2024
- Collection: Decadence
- Edition Size: 20 + 5AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 32” x 24"
- Framed Size (Approx): 42” x 35"
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- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
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
Bollocks to Growing Up! - Custom Framed Standard Limited Edition 1AP
£725.00
- WAZZUUP!
Who would have imagined what would follow on from when I first created ‘The Memory Remains’ right back in my formulative years as professional artist. I knew there was potential with the heart-warming sentiment behind that piece and despite me writing this, sat staring at a screen knowing that I need to invest in some reading glasses, I have never been one to be short sighted.
Like I said, I knew there was a cracking potential to write many more chapters, but the way this has evolved into many different scenarios that paint a picture of so many of our childhoods has been so much fun. Without tooting my trumpet, I love how my mind works and to do this as a career is, well, the bollocks! However, I genuinely believe that a catalyst for the way this story has grown is down to you lunatics! The way so many have adored my retro toy laden art has been amazing and has inspired me to create what I have done over the past years.
Despite how successful ‘The Memory Remains’ series was, I stopped it at the four pieces. Not only did that reflect the very first concept and layout of the original scene but I didn’t want it to end up having more spin offs than ‘The Fast and Furious’ movie franchise! Yet, it is the determination to think outside of the box that has led to the parallels that have been born, such as ‘Skool’s Out!’ and the latest ‘Bollocks to...’ pieces. I wanted to open new windows into other scenarios after the point when we took those toys home from the toy shops, whether that be to the local park in the summer holidays, the Lido, or our homes.
Back in 2022 I created ‘Bollocks to Bedtime!’ and it was an instant hit, selling so well as limited edition prints and more recently the collector’s puzzle. Keeping that trumpet locked away, I still must admit that it does look a bit good doesn’t it! So, for 2024 I was keen to expand on this and not just show another room in the house but to show how us kids turned into teenagers and all the chaos that came with it. Positioning the scene would have meant that the troublesome teens would have been living in the early 90s’ which was a brilliant era! This immediately generated so many potential references to draw from as well as reigniting some wonderful memories.
Initially, the plan was to open the door into the teenager’s den, to allow me to combine the links that you all love, classic movies, arcade games and retro toys. Yet what you now see is much different and I feel even more engaging. What I have done is to create the ultimate basement hang out for big kids, where the entire family refuse to grow up! This link between the kids and parents was formed through showing you through into the garage and a pristine Harley Davidson parked just behind a gleaming Ford Escort Mexico! What is great is then noticing how some details show that the parents also used that space in the past and it now forms a cracking place for the family to hang out as individuals and collectively. Oh, and even the family dog wants a look in, maybe to just laze about on the battered old sofa, speaking of which, does it look familiar to you?!
As with so many of my pieces that totally immerse me whilst creating them, this scene grew and grew as more memories flooded back in and the concept evolved. As with ‘Bollocks to Bedtime!’ when the title came from a last-minute edition into the room, the same happened here, albeit slightly earlier on. Some pieces see the title born right at the start, but this was an example of being aware that what is being created is amazing but having no clue as what to call it! I will give you a little insight, there was mention of doing a ‘Toy Story’ piece next year and it was from that where the title would come to light. It was that refusal to let your cherished toys from earlier years go despite becoming a teenager, we can all relate to that, and I remember the boxed up toys from Andy’s room in the movie so it started me thinking!
Despite the focus needing to be kept on the early 90’s, I have shown a corner of the scene to have a number of boxes that were destined for the car boot sale or garage and have been intercepted. The scrawled writing tells you exactly what was thought to that! This was great to allow the visual and conceptual link to previous pieces, as I love how many of you collect the series of these to display in your homes. It also is where the title came from, and from this point is where I started injecting some subtle details to mimic this, just pure good fun! Just like the kid’s bedroom, the basement is an absolute mess! The closer you look you can clearly see that a few parties have been held down there, PARTY TIME…. EXCELLENT!
I am so excited for the reaction to this piece; I didn’t want it to end when I was creating it. Whilst the previous piece was vivid and lairy in its colour palette, this is bright but warm, it reflects how it makes you feel when you position yourself in the scene and how those wonderful memories come flooding back. We all need that don’t we. The importance of a family unit and a great upbringing that we maybe took for granted at times. So, it’s not just a piece focused on the past, no. It’s one for the present and the future as it reminds us how we can create many more memories and live and love the right way. At the risk of sounding a bit soppy, I just absolutely love how I feel from producing my nostalgic scenes, I need it and clearly so do you. We all have different memories to look back on, those brightest will always remain. Sometimes the years that followed would have blackened them but to know that my art helps to reignite that flame is inspiring and to hear of your reasons for collecting my work is genuinely humbling. Love you guys!
I will sign off with three other words, BUM, WIGGY… BOLLOCKS!
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- Released: 2024
- Collection: Decadence
- Edition Size: 45 + 5AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 25” x 18.5"
- Framed Size (Approx): 33.5” x 26"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
PRE-ORDER: Attack on Echo Base (Star Wars) - 1000 Piece Jigsaw
£40.00
-
Available to pre-order for an early December delivery!
The perfect Christmas present or to enjoy all year round!
Mark's imagery is so often rammed full of detail and adored for how they bring people together to embrace their memories. Mark has always loved to set down clues within his art to help you try and determine the hidden narratives that exist, so these limited edition puzzles are the natural choice as we look to bring his work to a wider audience through exciting and engaging formats.
As with every element of his work, the focus has, and always will be on delivering quality, to best represent his art and retain that limited edition quality that is so well respected and successful.
So, we are excited to offer a beautifully vibrant limited edition, 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle that is proudly made in the UK by a leading specialist manufacturer who's sustainability efforts are a key quality of their business. The standard clear polybag the jigsaws come in is 100% recyclable, their millboard used for the actual jigsaws is 100% recycled, their ink is sourced in the UK and is vegan, and all their paper used in production is Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) paper sourced from FSC & PEFC sources.
Not bad eh! In addition to this, your jigsaw puzzle is strictly limited to 100 and comes with Mark's hand signed narrative card and certificate of authenticity. Should you wish for the box tray lid to be signed by Mark, this can be done by removing the protective shrink wrapping that each puzzle comes in.
100% quality, 100% enjoyment!
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- Released: 2024
- Collection: Lost in Hollywood
- Edition Size: 100
- Specification:
- 26" x 20" completed size
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Sustainably sourced materials
- UK sourced, vegan inks
- - 100% recycled board
- Complete with hand signed narrative card and certificate of authenticity
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
 - Large Limited Edition&media=https://markdaviesbritishartist.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/BMTLFull_c63b88fe-507a-46d4-aab9-21a62201665b_600x.jpg?v=1714390906){kind=link}
PRE-ORDER: Petrolheads - 1000 Piece Jigsaw
£40.00
-
Available to pre-order for an early December delivery!
The perfect Christmas present or to enjoy all year round!
Mark's imagery is so often rammed full of detail and adored for how they bring people together to embrace their memories. Mark has always loved to set down clues within his art to help you try and determine the hidden narratives that exist, so these limited edition puzzles are the natural choice as we look to bring his work to a wider audience through exciting and engaging formats.
As with every element of his work, the focus has, and always will be on delivering quality, to best represent his art and retain that limited edition quality that is so well respected and successful.
So, we are excited to offer a beautifully vibrant limited edition, 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle that is proudly made in the UK by a leading specialist manufacturer who's sustainability efforts are a key quality of their business. The standard clear polybag the jigsaws come in is 100% recyclable, their millboard used for the actual jigsaws is 100% recycled, their ink is sourced in the UK and is vegan, and all their paper used in production is Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) paper sourced from FSC & PEFC sources.
Not bad eh! In addition to this, your jigsaw puzzle is strictly limited to 100 and comes with Mark's hand signed narrative card and certificate of authenticity. Should you wish for the box tray lid to be signed by Mark, this can be done by removing the protective shrink wrapping that each puzzle comes in.
100% quality, 100% enjoyment!
-
- Released: 2024
- Collection: Retrospective
- Edition Size: 100
- Specification:
- 26" x 20" completed size
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Sustainably sourced materials
- UK sourced, vegan inks
- - 100% recycled board
- Complete with hand signed narrative card and certificate of authenticity
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery