Holmfirth artist John Gorman’s first solo show opens tomorrow in a gallery which is close to his heart.
John’s bold, colourful paintings will light up the space in the North Light Gallery in Armitage Bridge where he is a student at the gallery’s Art School.
It is two years since John enrolled at the Art School and found a kindred spirit and mentor in tutor Alan Dalgetty who helped to further fuel his passion for painting.
The exhibition is the first solo showing of his work and features pieces which will blaze off the walls with their colour and originality.
John is originally from Ellesmere Port in Cheshire but has lived in Holmfirth for about 24 years.
“After leaving art school in Chester and Newport I completed a government training scheme in silk screen printing,” he said.
“Art school was a brief but enjoyable foray into the world of fine art. I developed a life long admiration for the supreme technical ability and soaring imagination of Hieronymus Bosch – something which has influenced my work to no small degree”
“I moved around the country in various posts related to silk screen printing. My final move was about 30 years ago to John Quarmby and Son in Milnsbridge.
“I was taken on to expand their recently opened screen printing department. Screen printing was always a hands on industry.
“The work could roughly be divided into two categories. Work that had to be measured exactly right and work that had to look right. It is the latter that helps me now.
“ As for colours you had to learn how to match colours and also how to show them to their best advantage. In poster work in particular this was a prime consideration. I sometimes feel now that my work clamours for attention in a similar way.
“Silk screen printing made me feel closer to the creative world. My experience during this time in particular creating colours and studio work helps me tremendously now.”
“I first met Alan when I enrolled in his classes. We seem to share a similar sense of humour and equal respect for each other’s work.
“I like to paint with good quality acrylics. In particular I like the way you can use overlaying of glazes to create depth of colour and not have to wait an eternity for things to dry.
“The main inspiration is the human form. I attend life classes at North Light Gallery and a large part of my work has its beginnings in this.
“The interaction and gradual abstraction of multiple studies leads me to add layer upon layer of paint.
“I become completely absorbed by my work and it feels to take on a life of its own.
“I have exhibited some works locally and have been delighted by some of the reactions from total strangers – many of which put their own interpretation on my work.
“ One in particular that stays with me is of a sixteen year old boy who wanted one of my paintings for his birthday. I am greatly thrilled that my work can connect across such a raft of years.”
John’s exhibition runs until the end of March. For opening times and further details about both classes and exhibitions visit www.northlightgallery.org.uk
