‘Bring Me To Life' (Harry Potter) - Canvas Limited Edition
£1,295.00
- 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: Hand embellished heavyweight artist canvas, double framed, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 36” x 27"
- Framed Size (Approx): 41.5” x 32"
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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.
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The Memory Remains 2 - 1000 Piece Jigsaw
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Well, well, well! Mark's first jigsaw puzzle! Another format that is just the perfect fit for the interactive qualities of his work.
Is there a better image to feature as Mark's first limited edition jigsaw puzzle than the highly sought after and long sold out 'The Memory Remains 2' from 2019? Feel free to tell us if you think there is because this is the first within a cracking collection in the future.
Mark's imagery are so often rammed full of detail and clues to solve that they are loved 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 than exist, so creating an actual puzzle just seems 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!
The first jigsaws will be arriving with us at the start of December and will be then available for either collection or delivery.
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- Released: 2022
- 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
- Jigsaws will arrive into the studio early December for collection or delivery.
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Bollocks to Bedtime! - 1000 Piece Jigsaw
£40.00
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Get to your room! It's time to build a new puzzle!
Following on from the amazing success of Mark's first limited edition jigsaw puzzle that saw 'The Memory Remains 2' sell out, we are proud to now offer the nostalgic beast that is 'Bollocks to Bedtime!' There is an insane amount of detail to seek out and piece together! This will be no easy task, the pieces are small, the scene is chaotic, so don't think you'll be going to bed any time soon once you open the box!
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: 2023
- 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