Reflection

“For some years now I have worked with Fraser Gallery St Andrews to mount a large biennial exhibition of my work which serves as an opportunity for me to consider both the direction and progress of what is a constantly evolving artistic journey and to reflect on the influences and timbre of each genre within the overall body of my work. This is a process I am happy to say that I don’t have to tackle alone. In an association which dates back almost 40 years I would suggest that the Roderick and Louise are perhaps uniquely placed to offer a perspective on how my work should now be described – whether colourist, impressionist or just figurative, whether dynamic or contemplative, whether more intense or more tonal.  Working as I do on just a few paintings at a time, it is difficult to see the overall trends in one direction or another, so to have a collection of over fifty pieces together offers the chance to reassess and make plans for future study.

I constantly strive to paint more freely and develop my artistic language; to say more with less, which has the effect of teasing the eye of the viewer to fill the spaces where the detail is left to the imagination. This presents challenges across a wide variety of subjects but I seek to change the artistic vocabulary rather than force the subject through the sieve of any particular style. Thus, the range of “styles” which now form part of my artistic character.  This can probably best be seen is my approach to a relatively new subject for me, waterlilies. Whilst the subject itself includes one of my favourite themes of reflections on water, as seen in my previous paintings of Venice and the Canal du Midi, it requires a different approach and different brushwork to make a less literal image. I am still delighting in the possibilities afforded by the ever-changing scene of the lilypond at St Andrews Botanic Garden.

This exhibition recalls and records many trips – mainly to the sunnier spots of Europe and the Mediterranean, together with many hours in the studio working with images and souvenirs, with lessons learned using light and colour, form and subject, distilling an essence to put down on canvas.

I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share my interpretation of these images and ideas with you as I reflect on the past but look forward to the journey ahead.”

Jack Morrocco, November 2019

To view the works online, click here.