'Like his castle, Bertilak’s domain is a fantasy, and here we see the forest conjured out of nothingness. A phantom huntsman blows his horn, startling a white stag; a wild boar lowers its head, preparing to charge. But where is the third creature, sly Renard? He has broken into the castle garden and killed a peacock – a bird we might recognise from the caparison of the Green Knight’s horse. Blood has been spilled in the magic domain, and the fox will soon pay the price.'

James Russell

Edition of 75

Artist

Over the past twenty-five years, Clive Hicks-Jenkins has achieved renown in his native Wales and beyond as a painter of rare and powerful vision. It helps that he came to painting by an unusual route, having enjoyed a successful theatrical career - as actor, director, choreographer and stage designer – before the urge to paint became irresistible. Today his paintings of figures and animals are so striking, at least in part, because of the continual dialogue between design and dance, structure and movement.  

Clive’s complex creative process enhances this effect. If, for example, he is due to paint a horse, he will first draw the animal, then create a cardboard maquette from the drawing, articulating this model in such a way that its head, torso and limbs can be placed in positions impossible for even the most agile horse. Painting from such a maquette gives Clive control over the composition (and the vital balance between positive and negative space), while at the same time adding emotional expression and that feeling of suppressed movement. The resulting tension is less that of a coiled spring as of a spring caught in the moment of uncoiling.

This dynamism suits Clive’s penchant for narrative painting. In series after series he has explored the interactions of characters famous and obscure, from St George and the dragon to Hervé (a blind Breton monk) and his wolf companion. He takes inspiration from religious stories, Welsh legends, modern drama and medieval verse. The characters of Sir Gawain, his horse Gringolet, the Green Knight and the rest have haunted his imagination for years, but something about the multi-layered intricacy and artifice of the poem suggested printmaking rather than painting. And then, as if on cue, Dan came along with his experience and expertise, and a new creative adventure began.

Shipping
Unless you choose click and collect at the checkout this print will be shipped as Large Tube A.  For shipping information and prices click here.

Own Art
If you would like to pay for this print in ten manageable monthly instalments of £29.50 then why not make your purchase through the national Own Art scheme? Own Art interest free loans are awarded subject to status and you can find out more about the initiative HERE. Own Art applications can be made by telephone as well as in person so call us on 0191 261 7000 and soon Clive's print could be all yours to enjoy.