A Screened World, (Undated) 3x3ft, oil on Masonite board, sold
This painting is about the fine line between reality and fantasy. The whole painting is like a puzzle into which viewers can escape in contemplation.
In the background is a peaceful scene of a wheat field surrounding a lake under a blue sky of fluffy clouds. The background scenery was painted in very soft flowing colours so as not to interfere with the superimposed screen painted over it.
Mediaeval art styles influenced the design of the screen and shows animals and flowing water curling over the landscape. This gives the painting a very three-dimensional feel. It is almost as if the screen blocks the viewer from seeing the paradise behind it. The screen is an obstacle and visually challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface.
The longer you look at the painting, the more you realise that this painting does not differentiate between fantasy and reality. It forces you to accept the feeling that there is no barrier!
For some people who live in altered mental states, at every second everything in their lives is like this painting. Reality and fantasy are fused. I used inspiration from mediaeval art because those times were so difficult for humankind. People faced so many mental and physical challenges that are difficult to live with.
My mother, who is a tapestry weaver, really liked this painting. She made a beautiful tapestry based on it that is just the same size as the original. It is included here.