Paul Ford - Surrealist
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If available the artist will supply a signed & dated copy of the first original pencil preparation sketch. The fragility of most of the prep sketches dictates they remain in the care of the artist. If you wish to purchase one of these fine works please see the Contact Us page and for online purchases please consider using Escrow Australia
	BEACHCOMBER This work is one based on recollections from the period I resided in the Andalusian province of southern Spain 1962-67 This work won the Alexandrina Council Art Prize 2007
	DEEP SPACE One of a galaxy of interpretations. The similarities of two environments hostile to human physical exploration that of deep space and ocean depths on earth combine well on canvas. The strength of any attempt to capture the stunning beauty of our environment on canvas lies in the use of clean and clear colour. That in itself is a formidable achievement.       $2,800.oo
	FRANGIPANI The symmetry and elegance of this superbly uncomplicated bloom demanded an articulate interpretation on canvas, thus I had to accept the challenge, but on my surreal terms. Needless to say innate nonconformity prevailed and the work became one of pure artistic indulgence.       $2,800.oo
	GLOBAL WARNING II End game... And the winner is...?       $850.oo
	OLD ADVERSARIES This example of the Decalcomania method revealed a partial spontaneous image following the initial transference and lifting of the base paint layers in this instance white on black. Total imagery is unpredictable and usually requires interpretation and finishing by the artist. This method was developed in the early twenties when Punch and Judy enjoyed universal popularity at summer resorts.
	SHADOW OF LAMENT Highlights the importance of spontaneity in the process of executing a surreal work of art based primarily on a single thought. Over a period of many weeks the theme Shadow of Lament mutated dangerously near to normality had not spontaneity reared its beautiful head once again espousing new and exciting possibilities? Within this work requiem also comes to mind.        $3,200.oo
	ALTAY ICE MAIDEN The discovery of ancient burial grounds estimated to be 3000 years old in the Siberian mountain range of Altay and the subsequent exhumation in 1993 of a perfectly preserved frozen body of a woman was the inspiration for this exploratory work.        $1,900.00
	LEVEL OF OBSCURITY The design and layout of this image is intended to represent complexity and irrationality and puts to the test the ability of the human mind to process to a point of acceptance, aesthetically speaking, various opposing and diverse elements. This treatment is also a playful attempt to deny logic and give the intelligent design concept an uncomfortable tour through ill-conceived and as yet unimaginable dimensions.       $1,900.oo
	MANNEQUIN Mannequins have graced residences rich and poor across continents for centuries. Today they command the respect they have earned and rightly deserve as upright and dignified citizens of the dressmaking fraternity. My simple treatment of this enduring icon lends a degree of credibility to the overall composition on this canvas.       $2,800.oo
	GLOBAL WARNING No Action. No Future. ................?       NO COMMENT !
	OBSERVING GRIEG For as long as I can remember and before ever I learned, as a child, of it's title and composer, Edvard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite has always been one of the most moving and influential classics I have ever experienced. I speak in terms of my personal imaginative interpretation of music. The dark and cold Norwegian winter terrain reflected in the suite induces a haunting sense of psychological desolation. This mysterious aspect of Peer Gynt, became the inspiration for this painting.       $1,500.oo
	SILENT NUMBER While the human form in this painting is barely discernable it is still symbolically the sum of it's own existence, it's visual diminution is also intended to characterise the passage of time and the fading of memories. Ultimately the passage of time stretches the fabric of experience to a point where threads begin to fail and contact with and recollections of the past slowly become irretrievable. 'Silent Number' represents a humble memorial to human existence.
	EXPRESSIONS OF INTENT This matrix of common observable emotions invites deliberate interpretation by the observer as a necessary ingredient in the building of a reaction, favourable or otherwise... "It grows on you..." or "I've learned to hate it..." Although initially the choice is quite involuntary, the sensation of exploring any work of art is intellectually rewarding.       $1,400.oo
	FASCINATION In endeavouring to bridge the gulf between fantasy and reality, fascination (of one for another) is only one of the many titles that could adequately describe the relationship of the two main elements on the surface of this canvas. the complexities arising from the execution of what appears to be a pure and simple concept can be thwarting. This work is no exception. Surrealism by its very nature allows the manipulation of orderliness without redress and maintains a depth of mystery that can be felt but never plumbed.
	ZANZABUKU This painting is one of many based on my experience of trekking across Kenya, Tanganyika (Tanzania) and Uganda searching out and photographing wildlife of every description, the environment and the African people. The magic of this continent compelled me to return and continue my photographic work for another six years. Zanzabuku was originally the title of a film produced by Republic Pictures of Africa in 1953 and subsequently a book written in 1956 by Lewis Cotlow on his Third African Expedition. My appointment as cameraman on this expedition was for a safari period of eight months.        $3,000.oo
	TRIXIE May I introduce Trixie, sister of Isobel - a fictitious young lady who emerged unexpectedly amid pencil sketches being prepared for a major work. She demanded recognition. I was so impressed by her persistence I gave her a canvas she could call her own. Little did I know that Isobel's popularity would eventually persuade her sister to approach me and make the same demand. How could I resist? And the story does not end here... Over time the news filtered through to other members of the family, namely, Sissy and Ruby, who in turn made their presence and their desires known to me. Needless to say we agreed on certain conditions necessary to the process of my giving them visibility. I would have full control with respect to fashion design, choice of location and their demeanour, while endeavouring to maintain as close as possible, a family resemblance.       $950.oo
	SISSY        $950.oo
	RUBY
	DISREGARDING THOR I have been searching for ways to be 'let off the hook' with this one. Initially Thor, as the Scandinavian god of thunder, appealed to my visual sense of the dramatic. The enthusiasm with which I first greeted thoughts of the undertaking persisted as the work progressed, but it became an exercise of pure indulgence with regard to the mechanics of execution and a confident reliance on whatever my imagination could produce. Somehow what my imagination produced had nothing to do with Thor and something to do with escape (I think). Thoughts of Thor may have arrived at the wrong time...how fortunate?
	AIRBORNE The theme is that of isolation. A non-descript entity with no visible reference points as to dimension or mass. It materialised precisely as expected using a variation of the Decalcomania technique developed by Oscar Dominguez in 1935. The cumbersome and complicated technique was subsequently taken up briefly by many of the early surrealists during the emergence of the movement. Today it can be computer generated...of course!
	AIRBORNE II Another example of the limited but effective and appropriate use of the Decalcomania method. It's timely and necessarily well considered introduction may just add that degree of ambiguity needed to impart a mystical quality to a preconceived composition.
	IF ONLY This fantasy work is a rare reflection of one of my most secret and long cherished childhood desires... to be accepted as an equal, able to walk fearlessly with compassion and love among all creatures of the earth.
	PHENOMENON The title gives no hint of the turmoil, frustration and failure endured in trying to hold and execute the initial concept of a Metropolis in Decline (working title) The title does however, say something about inviting possible failure when attempting to suppress the natural creative processes one has spent a lifetime cultivating. Yet, the existence of this canvas lends credence to the fact that failure and success can occasionally go hand in hand. 'Phenomenon' is for me a most satisfying result of a mid-stream change of direction spread over many months.
	LOVE Was not the original title of this work in sketch form. As the picture progressed I found myself moving away from the initial concept of creatures in a threatening environment. My fondness for animals won out this time.
	SPACE DEBRIS: HOMAGE TO COLUMBIA I saw the tragic beauty of a shooting star. I was watching humanity  endeavouring to fulfil its destiny. And I connected with pride and tears. This departure from the original sketch is the exception rather than the rule.
	BEACHBALL Series inspired by coastline driftwood.
	CIRCA NOW Put simply - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
	DANCE The amalgamation of the non-rhythmic and the abstract. The passive art.
	FRAGMENTS of MEMORY Illusion - An amusing distraction with theatrical overtones.
	ISOBEL This fictitious young lady emerged quite unexpectedly during the preparation of sketches for a totally different work. She wanted recognition, even if she was only a fleeting thought on a scrap of paper.
	LINKS Series inspired by coastline driftwood.
	MIND GAMES Believe only half of what you see and believe every thing you feel, as you see and you feel like no other. This dogma has endured since the advent of surrealism. So enjoy an alterative way of looking at the world.
	NEIGHBOURS, LOVERS AND OTHERS With this title the seed is sewn. Possibly the observer will experience some obscure hint of recognition embedded in the theme of this composition.
	FISHER OF MEN The juxtaposition of diverse elements moving away from the original theme of Jonah, still retain familiar reference points.        $4,000.oo
	OUT OF AFRICA A fragment of recollections of life in East Africa... 1953-60.
	PORTRAIT OF SERENDIPITY A classic example of submission to the pressures of serendipity, sometimes, unwise to ignore.
	ROCKPOOL DREAMING Leaves the observer to find a level of comfort within a reflective work of both reality and illusion.
	STILL WATERS This work in based on recollections from underwater film work off the coast of Kenya in 1960.
	THE ARTIST'S MODEL This visually simplistic work represents an all too familiar ancient and modern theme - the persistent and everlasting montage of male transparency and female objectivity.       $1,900.oo
	THE KISS The Gargoyle concept. This treatment is intended to induce a serenity of mind through the use of non-violent tones and curves.
	GENESIS II Demonstrates, in a miniscule way, the close and inseparable relationship that unites all entities of diverse nature within our geophysical environment.
	LILIES OF THE FIELD Indulges a fascination with the exquisite simplicity of construction of my favourite flower, the Arum Lily. Its passive strength is complemented by the subtle inclusion of an anonymous Holy Order.
	ON THE BEACH A semi-satirical study, not so much of human behaviour, but of many human situations. A light-hearted composition wide open to mental interplay.
	THE RED PLANET Did the human race originally come from Mars? The human element connected by a symbolic thread might be interpreted as a vague parallel to the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt.
	WAITING Phoenix and Pegasus... What went before? What followed from these legendary moments in time? Sadly, the mythological picture is not complete.
	THE CURTAIN There are two worlds divided by an invisible curtain; a world that we can see and measure with line and rule, and a world that we feel with our hearts and imagination.
	WOMAN WITH CHILD Represents the timeless 'Mother and Child' theme combining both pregnancy and birth. Water and feathered creatures symbolise immersion in warmth and tenderness.
	THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS Creation? 'Am I really happy with what I now see? Seven days was not enough.'
	WOMAN WITH BAG Recollections from Spain - San Roque