Ethereal Gardens: Summer Show Paintings at Ffin Y Parc 2024

Casa De Las Salinas is a 16th Century Renaissance period house in the centre of Seville. The central courtyard is designed in a traditional layout which has been used since Roman times, creating a cool and tranquil space. In the 16th Century the owners noble family Jaén, appear among the most active merchants and financiers in Seville.
The red ochre walled courtyard is adorned with Moorish, Medieval and Renaissance objects and architectual elements. A pair of dark Triana green jars to transport precious oils and spices sit upon iron trivets.

The spaces whispers of the past and the jars have a monolithic presence evocative of a strong soul and spirit.

Oil, mixed media and gesso on board 120cm h x 60.5 cm w

Inspired by the work of an anonymous (female?) artist "Virgen de Reposo" is housed in the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, in which the abundant branches of an apple tree shelter the resting Virgin and Child as the madonna hands the child a freshly fallen apple. The painting refers to the idea of the garden of eden, but the Madonna presents as a second Eve. The painting is ethereal and sensitive and the delicately painted subject matter refers to the the Christian doctrine of falling from grace and the salvation of the human race. For me the work is more about the connection of humanity and the beauty and gift of nature, of which I seek to represent in my own interpretation with a fallen apple below the apple tree.

Oil and gesso on board 120cm h x 60.5cm w

In the grand tradition of bringing citrus specimens from distant lands, I returned home with a remarkable fruit from the royal palace of Real Alcázares de Seville: a perfect 'Citrus Limon Osbeck' lemon from their historic citrus collection.

Dating back to the sixteenth century, the gardens of the Real Alcázares boasted both sweet and bitter lemon trees, particularly in the Garden of Cidral. The 1669 Chronicles of Cosimo de' Medici, recounting his travels around Spain and Portugal, mention the Tuscan Prince's admiration for these gardens. He marveled at the lemon trees in full bloom in December, calling it a great wonder.

The citrus collections were revered throughout history. The lemons embody the spirit and history of the gardens of Paradise in Seville, and dreams of warmer climes.

Oil, mixed media and gesso on board in antique frame. Framed size 40cm w x 35cm h Unframed size 28cm w x 22cm h

A small "Placa de Olavide" (Olavide Tile) or 'place name' tile within the antique collection of Casa De Las Salinas, a 16th Century palace in Seville.

The tile harks back from the reign of Charles III. In the mid-18th Century Spanish cities were notriously disorganised, a Royal Decree in 1768 ordered that streets were to be named and houses numbered. In 1771 under Don Pablo de Olavide y Jauregui, "Olavide Tiles" were implemented and Olavide commissioned the first detailed city plan. Walking around Seville you will spot these wonderfully graphic hand painted tiles on street corners and buildings adding to the essence of Seville.

Oil, mixed media and gesso on board in wooden frame Framed size 36.5 cm w x 40.5 cm h Unframed size 19cm w x 22cm h