Thursday, January 21, 2010

Little Fires in the Woods


"Cardigan Road," oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in., sold

"P.G.," oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in., sold

"Little Fire in the Woods," oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in.


A long time ago in Leeds, England, I went to a most remarkable party. Outside the back door, a campfire burned in the garden. Beyond that, glowing in the darkness, was another fire. It seemed as if this house were on the edge of a wood - even though we knew it not to be - and that the little fires went further down into a valley.
The small paintings here were inspired by my memories of this magical night and my search to return to this place. Years later I found it just off Cardigan Road. A circle of charcoal still marked the spot and, strangely, a ravine runs along the backs of the row houses.