BERMONDSEY TWILIGHT.
Alone, Still, Fathomable, Despondent, Reflect ... Acceptance ... Hope ...
Sometimes the world seems a lonely place. Emotions, pressures from all directions can be overwhelming.
Sometimes we need moments of emptiness to reflect and assess.
The " Bermondsey Twilight" Series began from a very dark state of mind, when I was struggling with many issues in my life, coming to terms with living and ending.
The locations in these paintings represent a strength, progression of time, fleeting and forgotten by many but more than a shadow to some.
In the still of each of these moments, I found some acceptance and reconnected with hope.
Sometimes we need moments of emptiness to reflect and assess.
The " Bermondsey Twilight" Series began from a very dark state of mind, when I was struggling with many issues in my life, coming to terms with living and ending.
The locations in these paintings represent a strength, progression of time, fleeting and forgotten by many but more than a shadow to some.
In the still of each of these moments, I found some acceptance and reconnected with hope.
"Bermondsey Twilight - Daydream Joyce" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
- Private Collection London
Joyce is the daughter of Dr Alfred Salter and Ada Brown, the couple tried to alleviate the effects of poverty in Bermondsey, offering medical care free to those who could not pay. A prelude to today's NHS. Sadly, Joyce passed away at 8.
"Dr Salter's Daydream, a three part sculpture group represents an old man remembering happier times when his "sunshine" was alive.
The sculpture of Dr Salter was replaced when the original was stolen. The City Skyline beyond has evolved. How was it like in 1898 when Salter became resident of Bermondsey? What will Joyce say about the definition of poverty today? Why did the sculptures get stolen? scrap metal?
"Dr Salter's Daydream, a three part sculpture group represents an old man remembering happier times when his "sunshine" was alive.
The sculpture of Dr Salter was replaced when the original was stolen. The City Skyline beyond has evolved. How was it like in 1898 when Salter became resident of Bermondsey? What will Joyce say about the definition of poverty today? Why did the sculptures get stolen? scrap metal?
"Bermondsey Twilight - Spindle beneath the moon"
(0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
A Spindle Tree is very common in the UK. Shoots evolve round then square then round. Deep green, to dark brown bark and twigs. Leaves turn bright orange fire red before falling in autumn. Flowers have both male and female reproductive parts and are pollinated by insects. Its botanical name is Euonymus. "Eu" means good and suggest luck and live for more than 100 years.
This work recognises the constant evolution of the Spindle, multi colour, shapes its contribution to nature and silent resilience. A reminder that life can evolve in many ways, there can be a purpose no matter how subtle.
This work recognises the constant evolution of the Spindle, multi colour, shapes its contribution to nature and silent resilience. A reminder that life can evolve in many ways, there can be a purpose no matter how subtle.
"Bermondsey Twilight - Govin Purr" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
Joyce's cat. Why Diane Gorvin chose the cat not Ada? Memories or Shadows of happier times? Do we remember?
"Bermondsey Twilight - St Mary the Virgin" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
A church existed on this site since 1282. in 1710, the parishioners petitioned parliament for a grant to rebuild their church which was rotting away due to the overflown thames nearby. The petition was not successful but the parishioners collected subscriptions and the local craftsmen rebuilt the church. Mysterious how faith and religion always seem to unite.
"Bermondsey Twilight - Dolphins" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
The family of Dolphins created with poor taste, " Delighting Visitors to a shopping centre for 30 years as the show piece of the Water Feature" as claimed, was donated to Southwark Council and found their current home in Southwark Park. Secured behind water and rails from likely theft.
Some decisions are made though great intentions, some through compromises. what happens when something or someone is no longer of use?
Some decisions are made though great intentions, some through compromises. what happens when something or someone is no longer of use?
"Bermondsey Twilight - Gas" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
Reminders of a time when gas produced from cannel coal. The Thames tunnel lights were once powered by Gas. The successes held some Pride which clouded judgement of practicalities, like cost and safety. Do we let pride cloud our judgement?
"Bermondsey Twilight - Rescue" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
How many limp bodies were pulled out of the river? The RNLI has 15 mins to get to someone drowning in the Thames. the number of attempted suicide have risen 10 to 45 per cent of the crew's work in the past eight years. Every 90 minutes in the UK, a life is lost to suicide. Are we too afraid to speak up and seek help? Is suicide the only answer?
"Bermondsey Twilight - Bascule" (0.6x0.6m) Acrylic
£600
The Rotherhithe Street Bridge and Salter Road Bridge connects the docks to the warehouses and yards, The Bascule bridges played a large role in the day to day functioning of the Docks.
At the end of WWII, with 25,000 bombs dropped, much of the Docklands was destroyed. The declining body of waters and industry in that area came about by the end of the 60s with large container lorries and Huge deep-wharf ports at Tilbury. It was estimated that half of the manufacturing jobs in Southwark were lost in the period from 1971 to 1986. How we always manage to evolve and survive. The Docklands today thrives in many ways. These pasts seems to just blend in continuing their quiet service in a diminished but still very relevant state. How many folks have contributed but have been diminished into a diluted presence? Lest we forget.
At the end of WWII, with 25,000 bombs dropped, much of the Docklands was destroyed. The declining body of waters and industry in that area came about by the end of the 60s with large container lorries and Huge deep-wharf ports at Tilbury. It was estimated that half of the manufacturing jobs in Southwark were lost in the period from 1971 to 1986. How we always manage to evolve and survive. The Docklands today thrives in many ways. These pasts seems to just blend in continuing their quiet service in a diminished but still very relevant state. How many folks have contributed but have been diminished into a diluted presence? Lest we forget.