Artist Statement:

Geoffrey's Paintings explore and reflect the light, the darkness and the structures found in our woodlands and landscapes using make processes that have been shaped by abstract concepts such as how living beings move and respond within the natural world and how woodlands and rivers are formed. Using a combination of paint, ply, fire and physical intervention his paintings are an abstract exploration of these visual environments. 

The basic elements that support the cycle of existence in the natural world with an emphasis on how woodlands and landscapes are formed and linked to how life moves through them by way of naturally formed pathways and river courses provide the abstract concepts that underpin his work. Layer upon layer, light and dark, repetition and erosion, disruption and regeneration. Repeated paint layers of a reductive palette are applied to a ply surface which are subsequently eroded by a combination of cutting, burning and brushing whilst following the texture and grain of the ply substrate. During this sometimes violent way of working the board surface can break and even split and warp but Geoffrey believes that these imperfections are important to keep and even encourage as an imperfect finished piece holds more interest and intrigue and reflects a more honest truth to the make process.

With the inclusion of shapes, shades of light, textures and patterns his paintings are constructions to explore. Deliberate and accidental marks are subtlety included within the layers and surface disruption, light and dark formations burnt into the surface and regular grid lines cut into the painted structure. The grids were initially included as a reference to the grid lines found on maps but they soon became a key characteristic of his work due to the constructional contrast they provided against the freehand paint application and surface working.

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The introduction of a flame and the physical working of the surface are integral parts to his work and with an emphasis on repetition and erosion often combined with grid formations and always allowing for chance his paintings are prompted and nudged towards a mutual resolution. 

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Biography: 

After his formal art schooling at Harrow School of art and design degree studies at Middlesex Geoffrey spent time working on furniture and interior design projects before working within woodlands and landscapes with the Woodland Trust and with Vitsoe installing their furniture systems throughout the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA. Vitsoe manufacture the furniture of Dieter Rams from their manufacturing base in Leamington Spa. In 2018 he set up a photographic programme within Vitsoe recording the installed systems in customer homes for archive and publicity and it was during this time that Geoffrey began to develop his art practice creating abstract art in various forms and materials for private collections. In 2023 he decided to devote all his time to his paintings and became a full time artist.

He is an active member of Herts Visual Arts and also leads the Abstract Art Group within Hertfordshire which holds talks and monthly discussion meetings. His workshop is in the garden of his home in Bushey Hertfordshire and in 2025 he became a contributing artist to the Hayden Gallery, Marlow.

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