One's life is full of contradictions

I ceased painting in 1975 for a variety of reasons, not least because of too much cerebral activity regarding the work I was doing. Art School had developed my technical ability, but had also made me incessantly question the activity I was engaged in. Too often working on a painting led to the question "why?", so it seemed easier to stop.

I think it is pertinent to say that a comment made by the Sculptor Herbert Dalwood in a lecture he gave at B.A.A. had a profound effect on me. I can’t remember his exact words, but roughly, "At basis, a work of Art isn’t worth dog-shite".

You may agree or disagree, and I’m not totally convinced, one could argue that creativity is inherent and essential to well-being, it might have been Dalwood’s "hand grenade" to make his audience react. However his thought stayed with me, reinforcing my feeling about the import that many give to the creative activity they are engaged in.

I did continue to draw. I have always drawn. As a child it was my way of coming to terms with the world around me. I was fortunate to have a very perceptive and understanding Primary School Teacher, Miss Timms, (this was the early 50’s), who not only allowed me the time, but gave me encouragement, space and most essential, very large sheets of paper. Drawing appeals to me in its immediacy. Bonnard said that drawing was sensation, painting was reasoning. The enjoyment inherent in the act of drawing overrode considerations of "why?". I have also continued to make etchings. It seemed that this process enabled me to extend the activity of drawing.

When I finished teaching I picked up my paint brushes.

One's life is full of contractions.