Work that is currently being undertaken by myself
Theatre Design was my choice of course as a student; my involvement with puppets and amateur dramatics led me to that choice. The fantasy world of the lyric theatre fascinated me as a child; it was an escape from the mundane world of the North London suburbs where I grew-up. This theatre background still influences my work which tends to be colourful exaggerated and moody.
Perhaps it was the dream architecture of the theatres and cinemas that I visited rather than the performances that inspired me; had I the use of a cine camera in my teens my interest in film would have been further developed. Impecunious students cannot afford such luxuries.
I have done photo-realistic painting for photography and television. It is more interesting to take a subject and play with it; adding ambiguous elements that allows the viewer to invent their own story. Darker suggestions have proved to be popular than more literal renderings.
Alcester in the Rain
© 2007 John West
Alcester church by night
© 2007 John West
Alcester With Waitress
© 2007 John West
Arrow Church - private commission
© 2007 John West
July08 artwork
© 2008 John West
Last Tango in Alcester
© 2007 John West
Old Shop Alcester
© 2007 John West
My Personal Artwork
John west