'In the realm of ceaseless change where sky meets water, Sea and Soul emerges as a visual odyssey, encapsulating the elusive moods of the Cornish coast. This exhibition is a collection of large-scale oil paintings, where each canvas becomes a stage for the interplay of darkness and light, a dance of the elements that both conceals and reveals the profound mysteries of nature. '
Influenced by the atmospheric seascapes of Turner and the deep, enigmatic abstracts of Rothko, my work seeks to transcend the conventional boundaries of figurative and abstract art. It is an exploration, a journey through the labyrinth of emotions evoked by the shifting scenes along the Cornish coastline. Turner's genius in capturing the sublime force of nature, his ability to render the ethereal quality of light, has been a beacon for my artistic endeavours.
Rothko's mastery over colour and form, his philosophical depth, and his ability to invoke introspection, challenge me to delve deeper into the emotional resonance of my work. In blending these two distinct aesthetic worlds, I strive to create a new language of figurative expressionism, a language that speaks through the vibrant hues, the bold strokes, and the subtle gradations of oil paint on canvas.
The Cornish coast, with its tempestuous storms and profound sunsets, becomes a living entity in my paintings. The play of light and shadow, the juxtaposition of dark tumultuous hues and bright hopeful tones, all work in tandem to portray the resilience of light - its power to pierce through the darkest clouds, to illuminate the roughest seas, and to bring hope to the bleakest moments.
Sea and Soul invites the viewer to embark on a visual and emotional journey, to explore the depths of nature's moods and the resilience of light in the face of change. It is an ode to the enduring beauty of the Cornish coast, a tribute to the Masters who have paved the way, and a personal exploration of the boundless possibilities of existence. Each painting in this exhibition is not just a representation, but a revelation: a moment captured in the eternal dance of dark and light, a whisper of the resilient light that dwells within us all".
Jack Davis 2025