
October brings to us an exhibition of beautiful landscapes by Simon Parkin, Simon lives in Glossop and is often found in the surrounding landscape painting,
‘Simon's focus returns repeatedly to the high places of the Peak District, one of the last pockets of wilderness still remaining in England. These are hills that the artist has known all his life, yet transformed into paint it is as if they are seen for the first time. What may appear familiar can hold surprises for both artist and viewer alike with the fresh vision of every new encounter.’
Fionna Barber,Principal lecturer,Manchester School of Art
Read his artists statement here:
‘My painting derives from the need to connect to the environment, to absorb, listen, question and investigate through the painting process, there is a continual dialogue within the paintings as I feel my way through the layers of paint capturing what I see, think and feel.
Many of my paintings are started in the landscape where I strive to capture the feeling, atmosphere and essence of character of the location, when painting outside I become part of the landscape and the life and energy of my surroundings has a greater impact on me and my work in this way I form a deeper connection to the landscape.
I often use found objects within the painting these objects help create a greater sense of place and bring another dimension or narrative to the work as the objects have their own history they also bring a structure and sense of physicality to the paintings.
I use the painting process as a means to explore the many facets of what life holds, I want my paintings to have a sense of longing but be resolved, be playful, accidental and uncertain but purposeful, be stimulating and also calm, and be of a time but timeless and transcending. Through this holistic approach have a multi-layered depth and appeal that will entice the viewer to participate in an intimate way- to step inside the painting and lose themselves in their own thoughts and feelings and by doing so bring the work to a conclusion.’
Read more about Simon here: http://www.simonparkin.co.uk/
The gallery is bursting with new stock in the run up to the festive season…. But let’s get through Halloween and Bonfire Night first!
The gallery is open Wed – Sunday 10 – 5 pm, we are in the historic village of Cromford on the edge of the Peak District National Park and right at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. There are always plenty of events and places of interest to visit so why not make a day of it!