...there be Dragons

A DUNBAR artist has scooped a prestigious prize

with a work which was inspired by becoming a father for the first time.
Christopher Wood, who is based at his studio in Dunbar High Street, won the Glasgow Arts Club Fellowship at the 125th annual exhibition of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour.

The painting, called ‘...there be Dragons’, draws its inspiration from the feelings of trepidation and excitement generated by the birth of his son Max. It takes its title from the practice of early cartographers who, when faced with large areas of uncharted territory, would add the logical warning ‘this way there be dragons’.

Painted nearly two years ago, it represents a further shift towards abstraction in Christopher’s work; particularly in its use of collage. Materials including hessian, canvas and newsprint have been used, together with the more traditional paint on paper, to create the piece.

“I am constantly experimenting in my work. The move to a more abstract language was not intentional, but one which seemed to make more sense of what were very personal, subjective feelings.”

The 42-year-old said: “Becoming a father plugs you squarely into a continuum and makes you very aware of your part in the continuation of the generations.”

His partner Jane, who is Director of Corporate Affairs for a national company, is due to give birth to their second child in the next few days.

A graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, Christopher has won many art prizes and was a finalist in last year’s Sunday Times Watercolour Competition.

He will be showing his work in galleries in Santa Monica and Atlanta later this year.

The annual exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh runs until February 17.

Sheena Macrae, The East Lothian Courier, January 2005