I am making progress on a series of pictures on cancer and as I focus on the different types it brings all parts of the body into view. The purpose of this series is to bring greater attention to cancer and promote greater knowledge, awareness, discussion and communication on it. I mean more meaningful and deeper reflection and communication on how cancer affects the sufferers at many different levels and in so many different ways, especially in their inner selves and their intimate relationships.
Prostate cancer cuts to the core of manhood and attacks men in a way that brings a bigger threat than just the illness itself. The prostate is central to virility and sexual activity. As men can we deal with this threat so that we can acknowledge that we are ill and not feel undermined that our sexual prowess and our ability to be real men is called into question?
I've painted a picture of a male nude torso. The figure is turning towards the light to indicate the need for greater openness and discussion on this core male illness. It is also painted in shades of blue which is so often associated with nudity and also is the traditional male colour. The penis is partially visible to make sure that there is a focus on maleness, nudity.identity, illness and communication.
In Ireland there is still a great reluctance among men to discuss anything of a personal, intimate nature. I must admit I am a typical Irish male in this case. In spite of writing this blog I don't think that I would easily engage in discussions on intimate parts of my life. So painting gives me an opportuunity to express views and open up lines of discussion in a non-threatening way as I choose to put this topic up for discussion and to put my paintings up for viewing as part of it. I have no idea where this will go and if it will trigger any ripple effect or not but I'm happy that I'm in a new field of artwork and that I am spending time thinking and reflecting on what I am doing.
The actual artwork and painting is totally absorbing, satisfying and even therapeutic as I go into another world when I paint where time is suspended. I like to listen to the radio as I paint but it has often struck me how all the music and discussion floats over my head as I am in a world of colour and the flow of brush strokes.
In spite of painting for many years I am always intrigued by the way I handle the brushes and the effects I get as I paint. Honestly, in advance of painting a picture I could not predict exactly what I will produce at the end. While I have a clear scene in my mind at the outset I know that the painting produced at the end will have taken on a life of its own.
I love seeing the energy and flow of what is created in the new work. It makes me proud of the work I do and also intrigues me in what it reveals of the inner me. I find that at a conscious level I am unaware of some aspects of what lies within me and yet know it is part of the core me.
Almost like the subject of the male nude turning towards the light, painting shines a light on the inner me.
Prostate cancer cuts to the core of manhood and attacks men in a way that brings a bigger threat than just the illness itself. The prostate is central to virility and sexual activity. As men can we deal with this threat so that we can acknowledge that we are ill and not feel undermined that our sexual prowess and our ability to be real men is called into question?
I've painted a picture of a male nude torso. The figure is turning towards the light to indicate the need for greater openness and discussion on this core male illness. It is also painted in shades of blue which is so often associated with nudity and also is the traditional male colour. The penis is partially visible to make sure that there is a focus on maleness, nudity.identity, illness and communication.
In Ireland there is still a great reluctance among men to discuss anything of a personal, intimate nature. I must admit I am a typical Irish male in this case. In spite of writing this blog I don't think that I would easily engage in discussions on intimate parts of my life. So painting gives me an opportuunity to express views and open up lines of discussion in a non-threatening way as I choose to put this topic up for discussion and to put my paintings up for viewing as part of it. I have no idea where this will go and if it will trigger any ripple effect or not but I'm happy that I'm in a new field of artwork and that I am spending time thinking and reflecting on what I am doing.
The actual artwork and painting is totally absorbing, satisfying and even therapeutic as I go into another world when I paint where time is suspended. I like to listen to the radio as I paint but it has often struck me how all the music and discussion floats over my head as I am in a world of colour and the flow of brush strokes.
In spite of painting for many years I am always intrigued by the way I handle the brushes and the effects I get as I paint. Honestly, in advance of painting a picture I could not predict exactly what I will produce at the end. While I have a clear scene in my mind at the outset I know that the painting produced at the end will have taken on a life of its own.
I love seeing the energy and flow of what is created in the new work. It makes me proud of the work I do and also intrigues me in what it reveals of the inner me. I find that at a conscious level I am unaware of some aspects of what lies within me and yet know it is part of the core me.
Almost like the subject of the male nude turning towards the light, painting shines a light on the inner me.
