ABOUT MARK
Reality is a relative concept. We each construct a version of it that fits our beliefs, relationships and social structures. It occurs to me that the structure that we have generally constructed for ourselves in Australia now, is based on a very narrow view of reality and is not designed to take us to a place beyond simply existing. We have designed a life of chasing our tails.
Seemingly just out of reach however, yet tantalisingly close, is another world. In this world there is an easy access to lives lived with dignity and grace. The porthole to this magical place is in insignificant events and places and is unnoticed in our scramble for survival and our obsession with collecting “stuff”. The paradox is that these simple events and places have a complexity and power beyond imagination. They can transform our reality.
This is the area in which I paint. The world beyond what we see, what we have individually and collectively constructed mentally about our world, and what may actually be more real.
For me and viewers of my work, I attempt to be a signpost, by documenting and elevating these access points. I am a connoisseur of these moments. The viewing of them reconnects me to this other world. Painting these moments allows me to surrender to ”being”. I wallow in these moments. They are my sanity and solidity. They are the answer.
Biography
Solo Exhibitions
2006 Galloway Gallery, Brisbane QLD
2006 Boomers Gallery, Lennox Head NSW
2005 B-Framed Art Studio, Ballina NSW
2003 Gelebert Gallery, New York NY USA
2003 Aarwun Gallery, Canberra ACT
2001 Aarwun Gallery, Canberra ACT
1999 Twin Towns Gallery, Tweed Heads NSW
1993 B-Framed Art Studio, Ballina NSW
1991 Indec Art Gallery, Melbourne VIC
Selected Group Exhibitions
2006 Tattersalls Landscape Art Prize, Brisbane QLD
2006 Kolinda Art Gallery, Alstonville NSW
2005 Avalon 8 Gallery Byron Bay NSW
2004 Aarwun Gallery, Canberra ACT
2003 Travelling Exhibition Santa Rosa, San Jose, CA USA
2001 Kolinda Art Gallery Alstonville NSW
1999 Wintersun Art Exhibition, Gold Coast QLD
1998 Wintersun Art Exhibition, Gold Coast QLD
1997 Wintersun Art Exhibition, Gold Coast QLD
1997 Kolinda Art Gallery Alstonville NSW
1996 Wintersun Art Exhibition, Gold Coast QLD
1996 Kolinda Art Gallery, Alstonville NSW
1996 Twin Towns Gallery, Tweed Heads NSW
1994 Kolinda Gallery, Alstonville NSW
Awards
2006 SouthernCross Arts Festival – 2 nd Prize Open Section
2006 Tattersalls Art Prize Brisbane - Finalist
2004 Southern Cross arts Festival
1st Prize Traditional painting
2nd Prize Landscape painting
2001 Konami Realist Landscape Art Award, Gold Coast QLD - Finalist
1997 Southern Cross Arts Festival
1st Place Painting section
Highly Commended Landscapes & Local Images
1997 Casino Art Awards – 1st Prize
1995 Casino Art Awards – 1st Prize
1995 Bentley Art Prize - Highly Commended
1995 Southern Cross Arts Festival
1st Prize Marine section
1st Prize Landscapes & Local Images
Winner Most Popular Choice
1994 Southern Cross Arts Festival
1st Prize Marine Section
Most Popular Choice.
1994 Casino Art Award – 1st Place
1993 Southern Cross Arts Festival – Highly Commended Open Section