From Battlefield to Canvas – A Journey of Service and Art
Recently Emma was introduced to a new artist whose works we are displaying on our walls in Langton Street throughout September. His name is Martin Wade and his story is compelling. Listening to him speak about his journey through the military and his time in Bosnia & Afghanistan, Emma felt touched as she learnt more about how he has subsequently found therapy in his art. His art tells stories of optimism, compassion and a faith in humanity which we believe is so relatable on various scales for many, amongst all our friends and family.
Here are some examples of the works on display..
WAR FLAG
Acrylic on 30 x 50 inch canvas. Unframed
£4,800
This is the War Flag of the British Army. It is in the ratio of 5:3 rather than 2:1 like the Union Flag (commonly referred to as the Union Jack).
The words inscribed read, "As bloodied colours are freedom's stain, Shattered limbs and hidden wounds remain". These are Martin’s own words and his personal reflection on the legacy of war. The blood shed on the battlefield in making the ultimate sacrifice is freedom's stain. The cost of that freedom marks our battle colours and soaks into our national consciousness. For the Servicemen and Servicewomen who sustain life changing injuries there remains the enduring physical and mental injuries of war. For those that lost a loved one or care for a wounded veteran the hidden wounds often run just as deep. This is as true today as it ever was.
OPTIMISM
oil on canvas, 100 x 70 cms, bespoke handmade frame by QED,
£4,200
Using a limited palette of Michael Harding oil paints I wanted to paint the sensation, or put another way, the felt sense of looking out to sea from the cliffs of Devon and Cornwall at the sunrise and sunset. The green blues of the sea married harmoniously with the yellow reds of the sun. (Really must be seen to appreciate the vibrancy and texture of the colours).
Whichever coastline is nearest to you it is hard not too feel a little happier with life and even optimistic when breathing in the beauty of Creation. There is something restorative and reassuring about the reliability of the tides of the oceans and the setting and rising of the sun.
A new day brings us an opportunity to make an new intention. This work reminds us that we can choose the "light touch" of optimism to accompany us everyday.
RESILIENCE
Original Mixed Media, 30"x40", in a bespoke handmade frame by QED and glazed with museum glass (TRUVUE).
£8,500
This work is made up of 76 words. The threat based emotions and feelings are in Red. Compassion based values are in Green (the complementary colour). Only one word, Resilience, is in Blue. Resilience is the bridge we must cross countless times a day to save ourselves from living permanently in a mind-set of suffering.
Our tricky mind with the evolutionary conflict brought about by the thinking brain of our frontal cortex sitting uncomfortably with our old reptilian brain causes us to embrace resilience as one of the key skills of living a valued driven life, hard as the human condition is.
If you look carefully you will see PTSD appearing 11 times in Black representing the thread woven throughout my emotional landscape. This work will particularly resonate with anyone who has PTSD or has experienced life changing trauma.
However, Martin is confident we can all relate to the emotions and feelings illustrated here. Resilience is our Fulcrum. We can bounce back. We can respond. We can tip the balance back in out favour.
This work has taken him well over 300 hours to complete.
THE MEMORY OF PASSING
Acrylic on 30 x 40 inch canvas. Unframed
£5,200
Amongst Martin’s collectors and fans are Locks the Hatters, Brevan Howard, The British Army Adjutants General Corps, The President of the Law Society and Philip and Catherine Mould for their private collection who says, "Martin's work gives us great pleasure. It sits on our stair wall and radiates intelligence and beauty. It also causes many to linger, engage and question".
Viewing:
Tuesday 10th September - Friday 27th September
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
3 Langton Street, London SW10 0JL
For more details about Martin and his paintings visit www.martinartist.com