Artists Manifesto: The Found Environment and Ephemeral Beauty
Introduction
In a world where the fleeting moments of everyday life often go unnoticed, we, Malcolm Rose, Carl Colquhoun, and Redbeard, unite to celebrate the inherent beauty and profound significance of the found environment. Through our collective mediums of painting, printmaking, and photography, we seek to capture and immortalise the transient and overlooked aspects of nature and daily existence. Our art is a testament to the power of observation and the deep connections between humanity and the world around us.
Our Vision
We believe in the transformative power of art to reveal the extraordinary within the ordinary. Our works are not just representations but dialogues with the world, emphasising the interconnectedness of all things. By focusing on the ephemeral beauty of the everyday, we aim to foster a greater appreciation for the nuances of our surroundings and inspire a renewed sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
Core Principles
Observation and Discovery
We commit to the practice of mindful observation, uncovering beauty in unexpected places and moments.
Our art will capture the essence of found objects, natural patterns, and fleeting phenomena, celebrating their uniqueness and intrinsic value.
Integration of Mediums
By blending the disciplines of painting, printmaking, and photography, we create a multifaceted perspective that enriches the viewer’s experience.
Each medium brings its own strengths, allowing us to explore and depict the environment in diverse and complementary ways.
Environmental Reverence
Our work honours the natural world, emphasising sustainability and respect for the environment.
We strive to use eco-friendly materials and processes, minimising our ecological footprint and advocating for environmental consciousness.
Ephemeral Beauty
We embrace the transient nature of life, finding beauty in moments that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
Our art seeks to capture these fleeting instances, preserving them and allowing viewers to pause and reflect on their significance.
Connection and Community
Art is a bridge between individuals and the world. We aim to create works that resonate on a personal level, fostering a sense of shared experience and community.
Through exhibitions, collaborations, and public art projects, we seek to engage with diverse audiences, encouraging dialogue and collective appreciation for our surroundings.
Artist Statements
Malcolm Rose – Painting
As a painter, I delve into the subtleties of light, colour, and texture found in everyday scenes. My canvases are an exploration of the quiet moments that often pass unnoticed—shadows cast by a setting sun, the interplay of leaves in the wind, or the serene stillness of a morning landscape. Through bold strokes and layered hues, I aim to evoke the emotions these moments inspire, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty that permeates their daily lives.
Carl Colquhoun – Painting
In my printmaking, I transform the tactile and visual elements of the environment into intricate patterns and compositions. Using techniques like etching and lithography, I capture the essence of natural forms and found objects, distilling their complexity into prints that speak to the interconnectedness of all things. My work is a celebration of the textures and rhythms of the world, encouraging viewers to explore the layers of meaning within the everyday.
Redbeard – Photography
With my camera, I seek to immortalise the ephemeral moments that define our experience of the world. My photographs are a meditation on the transient beauty of life—raindrops on a window, the fleeting expression of a passerby, the delicate bloom of a wildflower. Through careful framing and attention to detail, I strive to reveal the extraordinary within the mundane, reminding viewers of the magic that exists all around them.
Conclusion
Together, we, Malcolm Rose, Carl Colquhoun, and Redbeard, commit to an artistic journey that celebrates the found environment and the ephemeral beauty of everyday life. Our collective works are an invitation to see the world anew, to appreciate the transient and the overlooked, and to find joy and inspiration in the simple, profound moments that define our existence. Through our art, we seek to awaken a deeper connection to the environment and to each other, fostering a sense of wonder and reverence for the world we share.