This piece was one of three that comprised my degree show in the summer of 2003. It measures about 6 and a half by 5 feet and I consider it one of the most successful pieces I’ve ever made.
I traced marks I inflicted on wooden boards with axes, drills and hammers then painstakingly transferred the tracings to canvas. It was a slow process to build up the cluster of marks which concentrate in the bottom right corner. At this time I was discovering the power of negative space, I think it’s very important to the overall feel. I used white radiator paint around the edges and gloss paint for the vestiges of white on the left hand side of the canvas.
The work resembles old maps, cave paintings, cells seen under a microscope or a diagram of organic growth. It was selected for the Royal Ulster Academy show that year and sold to the Northern Ireland Department for the Environment. I sometimes wonder where it has ended up, or if it still exists and what the people who see it make of it.
John Macormac 
Great stuff!
cheers!
I love this, in such a controlled space there are so many free feeling marks.
Thank you Carley! Yes I think the sheer density of marks juxtaposed with the space helps to make this one work.
It is a beautiful piece – so open to multiple interpretations – yet still accessible – hopefully it is hanging in a large open space where many can enjoy its presence.
Thank you very much Veronica, yes I really hope so. I find it’s so strange when you let go of something you have worked on intensely.
I have a had a good look at this large and I love the detailed marks and the subtlty of the piece. Shows that things don’t have to shout out to get close inspection.
wonderful art and thanks for the visit.
thanks so much for your kind comments Virgilio! Very much appreciated.
thank you for your comment on the research I was carrying out on Odilon Redon, it means a lot to receive feedback esp as I am working in isolation… I took the links to your work and I fell in love with this piece .. and ironically it reminded me of Redons later colour work and in particular his decorative tempura panels .. they both have a similar approach to space and negative space I think … i have enjoyed looking at your work and intend to revisit it in the near future when i have time to give it my full attention…
John, thanks for your comment on Spring Gobbler Season. I admire your work and will see it in person if I’m ever in Belfast. It is nice to have kind words from someone who can do what you do!
Thank you very much Judith, your words are very much appreciated!
wonderful!