VARLEY Flagship Store, London, UK
I was asked by my friends at Cramer & Bell in London to create a painting for the new flagship Varley store in London’s Chelsea neighbourhood. The store recently opened and the Varley team shared these photos of the work framed and installed.
It is always a pleasure to be considered for these unique commissions and have the opportunity to work with companies like Varley, Ham Interiors and Cramer & Bell.
I was asked by the Varley Team to give them some background on my inspiration for SITTING WITH THE SUNRISE. This is what I provided:
Life for me is focused on art and nature.
My home is in the community of Oak Bay on Vancouver Island, the most western point of Canada. It is a stunningly beautiful setting, surrounded by the ocean and mountains, and I am truly grateful to live and work here. I often start my commute to the studio with a stop at a local beach or rocky bluff to take in the magic of a moment: shimmering light on the water, or a striking colour combination that nature has gifted those who take the time to notice.
The piece that I created for Varley is an oil on canvas work that uses my painterly abstraction style. It reflects on the importance of taking time to breathe and appreciate the little moments in life that are too often overlooked or dismissed for their insignificance.
The simple act of ‘sitting with the sunrise’ can add so much joy and create the calmness we need to tackle life’s challenges. I hope that my interpretation of this idea can inspire your guests to cherish the beauty of the little moments.
The practice of creating art offers so many learning opportunities and the more I paint, and trust my own instincts, the more confidence I have in the work. I am also truly inspired by others doing work that brings beauty to our lives through good design, the sharing of food, travel and a generous nature.
SITTING WITH THE SUNRISE - Oil On Canvas - 35” x 23.5” (89cm x 60cm) - 2023
