See no, hear no, speak no

2021
sanguine charcoal and graphite pencil on paper
76 x 56 cm

The intention of this work is not in the true nature of the old Japanese proverb “See No, Hear No and Speak No evil” against those who, through selfishness or cowardice, choose to ignore wrongdoing. The three self-portraits try to show the viewer the feelings of an old soldier. Drawn in sanguine charcoal for warmth, in stark contrast to the underpinned light graphite sketches giving a ghost-like impression of sights and imaged sounds. A soldier cannot hide their eyes from evil seen and sounds of anguish but is constrained by service, rules of engagement and their ability to progress. Wars, ethnic cleansing and peacekeeping have moulded me and my art into who I am today but it has also taken its toll on myself and family. My art will continue to show the unseen aspects of service.