Statement

It is possible to make art in many ways using a myriad of materials and media. This can be exciting and challenging. However, as an artist who uses paint, I must accept that a painting cannot necessarily create the visual impact of installation art, or enter the brain in the way moving images are liable to do. By its nature, painting is slower, quieter, and asks for a different kind of contemplation.

However, this does not mean that paintings are no longer relevant in today’s world. To the contrary, I believe painting remains fresh and provocative. Every human from childhood has an inherent instinct to make images with line and colour, and painting remains the most direct way to express oneself visually. 

I have recently unearthed images that approach the notion that to be a painter is today irrelevant and absurd. They have streams of comedy hopelessness, clumsiness and pathos running through them. Questions are asked – is it still possible to make images with paint which resonate, or are they drowned, silenced and obliterated by the sea of white noise and tsunami of images washing in from all directions? I say yes. Yes, it is possible. I appeal.

RICHARD STEVENS

Richard Stevens graduated with an MA in Fine Art from The Slade in 1988, having previously completed a BA Fine Art course at Norwich School of Art. Throughout his painting career Richard has regularly exhibited and taken part in competitions. These include: The Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries; The Royal Water Colour Society Annual Open, Bankside Gallery; The London Group, Barbican Centre; and the Southbank Picture Show, Royal Festival Hall. Most recently, Richard has been selected for the Western Royal Academy Open, Bristol; the NOAC, London; and the Bath Open Art Prize - as well as a one-person show at CICC, Taunton. Richard’s paintings can be found in a number of private collections in both the UK and Australia.