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One balmy summer evening, over a few gin and tonics I showed my work to an art dealer friend and his wife - a university art lecturer. Thankfully, I had a wonderful and enthusiastic critique. Fired up and floating on air I painted for Britain! All manner of subjects and all colours - I was overflowing with energy!
I took these paintings to a gallery - they liked the work, saw the potential and a deal was struck for me to have a solo exhibition the following February. "we'll need at least 14 paintings..."
My first show was a great success on one level and nearly commercial suicide on another. I received lots of well wishing - but sold only enough to cover my costs - nothing to make up for the previous months' lost living. On the bright side a painting I did at the gallery while the show was running sold a week or so later and a few commissions came in too. It started to look like I could make it as an artist after all - fulfilling my own visions and dreams at last!
Then I had a crisis! I realised I hated my work! As much as I enjoyed losing myself in the studio - I really didn't like what I was painting. "Manufactured, digital rubbish..." I stopped painting for 3 months. My heart broken, I had no idea what to do...
..3 months in the doldrums is a long time to reflect and soul search. However, my subconscious mind must have been working over-time. I awoke one morning with the word 'analogue' on my lips and I knew precisely what I should do. I started a painting with the usual 'digital' base but then let the analogue artist take over. My first 'transition' painting was created. My soul lifted and the work sold! Finally I was drawing on all my skills and talent - my heart soared! I painting a further 4 'transition' paintings fine tuning all the time. At last I felt I could face the world, with my head held high, my heart on my sleeve and my paintings proudly displayed on the wall!
And that is where I am today. My choice of subject, crop of image, materials and colours all being the culmination of my 20 years of often agonising experience. I'm quite fond of saying - "An artist has a vision and by whatever means he is compelled to bring you, dear viewer that vision"
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Mark Holland Hicken's Work
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