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Hell & High Water (Noah's Ark) - Large Limited Edition

Mark Davies British Artist

  • My interpretation of Noah’s Ark, entitled ‘Hell and High Water’ was a great subject to tackle and one that I wanted to do genuine justice to. The title being a reflection on Gods’ act to wipe out all that was bad and bring the flood. There is also a hint there to life onboard the ark, not all plain sailing and that, trying to imagine the frustration, worry, boredom and cramped conditions for all those within the Ark.

    The scene shows a beautiful expanse of calm water with a hint of the destructing land in the distance from what they are sailing away from. The tops of the mountains and volcanoes are visible, smoking above the waters, with flashes of lightning. Here I wanted to make you question whether these are visible due to the water not quite reaching the summits or if the waters are receeding and leaving the fires of hell still burning - hinting that God didn’t quite achieve a total cleanse - dark forces still remain. You always see artist interpretations of the Ark being tossed about on huge waves or when you do see an image in calm waters, the ark is sterile and not shown in true context in my opinion.

    So I wanted to set about constructing an imposing and intriguing boat, pieced together from single strips of wood and other textures. I wanted to focus on perspective in my work, to create subtle drama in the composition and scale. The Ark is huge, as soon as you add the animals it conveys just how big it is otherwise as it is surrounded by water it would be hard to achieve that. I wanted to think long-term, those on board need food and reminders of their natural habitat. The deck has a cut away area where animals interact with trees, trees that attract birds. The Ark has fishing nets set out, not quite the feeding of the five thousand but another hint of long-term survival.

    You typically only see cramped animals on deck in imagery, I have shown sea life following the Ark, all for one and one for all messaging - they are joining the journey for survival. I think by adding the animals, birds and sea life in this way it really adds something lovely without impacting on the integrity of the piece. I hope you like where I have taken this piece, personally I love it and feel that I have created something unique, respectful and beautiful.

    1. Released: 2016
    2. Collection: Storyteller
    3. Edition Size: 10 + 1AP
    4. Specification: Hand embellished, deckled deluxe limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
    5. Image Size: 29” x 22"
    6. Framed Size (Approx): 42” x 34"
    1. Free delivery to UK Mainland
    2. Get in touch for overseas delivery
    3. Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.

Category: spo-default, spo-disabled

Type: Limited Edition

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 Enquiries

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    1. Get in touch for overseas delivery
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  • With this piece I wanted to focus on creating emotion and feeling within the scene rather than a deep concept. The horse that takes centre stage shows so much emotion and is deep in thought, majestic almost. My aim is to first see the beautiful horse in its’ surroundings and then notice the pole, painted saddle and the cracked skin to reveal signs of a darker past. Now that the horse has broken free it has cast off the shackles of yesterday and embracing the freedom that comes from that.

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    1. Get in touch for overseas delivery
    2. Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
View full product details

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