Personal Details

My Recent Images

At the Shore of the Arctic Ocean

Longhorn

Ancient Cow, [detail]

Persepolis1

My Feature

Biography

'Wall mounted, like ancient guardians, Mark’s animal sculptures, seem to look down at the viewer, or back to some distant past. Their arabesque curves contrast with the rectangular form of the supporting block. They have a restrained monumentality expressing both strength and pathos.’ 

The colour and texture of landscape and the form and significance of certain animals are major concerns in the artwork of Mark Gibbs.  In addition there is an interest in subtler subjects such as; the mind, mortality and the process of creativity itself.

Mark’s work crosses artistic disciplines; he paints in different media, sometimes naturalistically, sometimes taking an abstract approach.  Ambiguity is another characteristic; he blurs the boundary between 2D and 3D, producing wall-mounted constructions... are they chunky paintings or shallow mixed media sculptures?  The constructions usually consist of an animal, often a bull, standing over, or included within, a supporting block.   These pieces reference the ancient sculpture of India and of Persia-Assyria.   These bulls, cows and bison have become symbolic of strength and resilience, but like all living things they are vulnerable... mortal.  Mark suggests that 'by portraying animals the human condition can also be examined.’   Mark is a member of West Walls Studios in Carlisle and has exhibited internationally, nationally... mainly in London... and locally.  He teaches watercolour painting and life drawing, has run school workshops and has worked for many years in special needs education, having CRB clearance.

Artist Details