Glenn Cruddas

Artists Statement

My practice is based around the transient memory of others, I photograph and draw people of whom I know nothing. These images then become inspiration for large oil paintings that are in them-selves works of memory. The initial image is transformed through several stages where each stage informs the next but of stays visible on the surface as a memory of what constitutes the final image.

I rely entirely upon the viewer to provide the context of my work. This acknowledgement of the role of the viewer means that when painting I am aware of the need to asses the marks I make and consider how they may be interpreted especially as my work features the human body and people. I prefer to work with abstracted literal images rather than pure abstraction as pure abstraction would completely remove any interaction between me and the viewer. An attempt at literal representation would not provide me with the necessary uncertainty and freedom that I seek in my relationship with the viewer, both would be diminished by any identifiable context or narrative.

By working with the traditional medium of oil paint I avoid questions about context suggested by using unique or unusual mediums or mediums that carry an associated significance. I do acknowledge that working with oils gives reference to a great tradition of painting. However I feel that an understanding of historical and contemporary painting is essential in developing my practice

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