I am so proud to showcase this next instalment of my adventures within the enchanting world of Peter Pan and the spellbinding home that we know as ‘Neverland’.
In 2018 and as part of my ‘A New Chapter’ body of work that celebrated my move to being an independent artist, I chose to portray the wonders of ‘Neverland’ in piece entitled ‘My Idea of Heaven’. Creating this piece was incredibly calming but challenging, I had set myself a high target to create the most beautiful scene imaginable. The more I worked into the piece, it took precedence over ‘Neverland’, the detail is there of course but something existed that influenced my way of thinking. For within ‘Heaven’, as with ‘Neverland’, age is irrelevant, you become truly free, reunited. I have always loved the end results, but I knew that so many of my collectors were desperate to see a piece that was more in line with what they imagined their ‘happy place’ being. I had always said ‘never say never’. Never is an awfully long time after all.
So here we are, it’s February 2025 and I have delivered on my promise. ‘Always Be Waiting’ has been created in the hope that it is everything that you hoped it would be, bright, bold, beautiful, surreal and enchanting. In February 2024, I focused entirely on one single image (‘Love Ain’t Dead’) to allow me to throw as much time and thought as needed into creating a statement for how that year would run. It worked! Years prior to that I had released a set of three pieces, but I much prefer just focusing on one at this time of year. It would take as long as it needed to, which is how I always treat each piece. I guess it is a combination of me being respectful of my collectors and not overwhelming them, whilst also being mindful that, through their loyalty, I am incredibly busy!
There are so many possible directions that I can go down with ‘Neverland’ and without a doubt I will, in time. Going in land would be dramatic and whimsical, I already can picture it! However, I was drawn to building my own interpretation of a mermaid lagoon under a magic moon as I absolutely love the effects of turquoise waters that ripple and at certain moments reveal what lays beneath its surface. It is a perfect balance between land, sea and sky as each is of equal importance. I love to hide details within textures, I absolutely love how Peter’s side profile is formed within the clouds that build. It’s that ever-changing process where you just happen to see it before it starts to bubble back into normality. The children are also then depicted within the clouds. The contrast between the star canopy and giant moon against the warmth from the rising sun is so powerful.
So there you go, has it been worth the wait?! For me, yes without a doubt. I love it! It is incredibly satisfying as it represents an artist who has found a balance between staying true and continuing to tell their story and keeping in mind the tactical element of timings, which is a tricky one as absence makes the heart grow fonder…or forgetful. I will always listen to feedback and encourage interaction. As always, I see this as a collaborative effort, and I hope that you love this piece as much as I do. Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.
