Mixed media visual artist based in Scotland

ART…in my words.

What is this? It’s a curiously human idiosyncrasy for sure and one which seemed to be built into my DNA. It would appear that I am instinctively drawn to things that I don’t and never will understand. I find myself in a constant state of ignorance (an advantageous position from my standpoint). From the moment I encountered the strange compositions of Victor Pasmore, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee and may more (around 1974), I became obsessed with that peculiar corner of human consciousness. It seemed to me that these individuals inhabited a place where the human spirit seemed unafraid to wander and to document its findings. These findings of course frustrated and delighted, the Nazis even named the oeuvre, “Entartete Kunst” and labelled the protagonists depraved. It’s a difficult area. The artist can render the consensus on perceived reality but their findings are often called into question as they push and pull within a practice which demands intense and exhaustive observation of our physical environment. This for me, is where the art lies. It is an indefinable activity, an obsessive desire to bring esoteric visions and sensations to some sort of seemingly unreachable, elusive conclusion.

As much as our external world continues to be explored and interpreted, the many journeys into the internal machinations of our own consciousness intrigue, baffle, anger, appeal, astound and inspire in almost equal measure. It is for this reason that I am attracted to this aspect of our behaviour. I am acutely aware that my own explorations often meet with as much derision as applause but the journey is important to me, the process often more rewarding than the end result. Taking the Picasso quote “everything you can imagine is real” as a touchstone, I believe my eyes, heart and mind are open to a universe of infinite possibilities. “Inspiration has to find you working”, another note of wisdom from Picasso, has also set the tone of my practice.

I am always grateful for the privilege of utilising my gifts on a daily basis. With that as a starting point, I can instil my processes with love. Failure and success are received and accepted equally and in good faith that I will continue to learn steadily and in joyful increments.

I hope you enjoy what you see here.

Brian McFie RSW