‘Human Observations 2014-2024 by Ian Stewart
This week’s artwork of the week is this meaningful piece by Ian Stewart ‘Human Observations’. It is packed with people, events and symbols which have had influence and meaning over the last 10 years. I find it very interesting and emotive and I am sure you will too.
Here are Ian’s words about his artwork
This painting began in 2014 with a modest amount of observations. I then realised there were so many events and beliefs in human life that led me to continue.
Throughout a ten year period I would come back to the painting intermittently adding news interest. While studying human interests and beliefs, I decided more should be added. This process was always a dilemma, it was difficult to add some subject matter that was upsetting. Trying to get a balance without being judgemental was difficult.
I called time on this piece many times, for me the research was so time consuming it became very draining. For some strange reason I felt it was my duty to complete the artwork, so on and on it went. I came to the conclusion there had to be an end date and decided that would be a full decade.
The overwhelming conclusion of this painting is that it illustrates the complexity of humans. And that even after ten years I feel I have only scratched the surface. The tears of the Gorilla signify my fears for the future and the Hearts signify my hopes for the future.
After a lifetime of being a professional artist working for many top publishers, this is by far the biggest project . I am sure that every individual will get something different from this painting – if I have achieved that I will be content. Beware of where a creative little thought may take you.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
After achieving a position in a highly regarded art studio as a teenager I gained so much experience of producing artwork at a high standard.
At twenty I felt confident enough to approach Publishers and work directly with them. As my diversity of styles and subjects gave me the experience I needed to be a success. I was contracted to many of the world’s top Publishers.
Over my career I had more than twelve thousand works published. Now free from commercial life, I choose to paint originals of my choice, from scenes to animals and whatever inspires me. Now I value the freedom to take my Art into any direction I like, which allows me to develop without the constraints of commissions and Publishers briefs.
I consider myself very lucky to have the pleasure of creating art and hoping that others will enjoy it. I really do enjoy the thought of having my art on as many walls as possible.
SEE ALL ARTWORKS BY IAN STEWART
QUESTIONS TO THE ARTIST
Firstly, your artwork is amazing. Which symbol (if any) was most difficult for you to include in the piece?
It was Grenfell that made me so angry , I hope the inquiry will make it impossible for this type of horror to ever happen again.
Which symbol (if any) is the most meaningful to you?
I find the peace symbols must have their place to give hope over the minefield of conflicting beliefs.
If you knew the amount of time and research needed to complete the piece – would you have thought twice about starting it ?
Yes ! because I had no idea of the time involved and the overpowering way I became consumed by this original thought that entered my mind.
Finally, have you considered creating a new piece to work on over the next decade?
If I could be given a Guarantee to be around for another decade?
SEE ALL ARTWORKS BY IAN STEWART
