Mark is an artist originally from London who has always loved creating and producing art from a young age, but it's been a long journey to become the artist Mark is today. 

Felixstowe has previously welcomed Mark when exhibiting at the 142 Gallery with the support of Toby and Lisa, selling work at the Art Market Suffolk organised by the amazing Victoria Petchey, and now to now taking part for the first time at the Art on the Prom, which is due to take place on the 3rd of September 2023. 
 
Mark took a break from the art community for a few years. With family life and a professional career, art had to go on the back burner for a while. However, once we all found ourselves in lockdown, Mark was able to take some time to re-focus on what was important to him and his well being. He reintroduced himself to his first love, his familiar friend, art. It had been a while, but like all good friends, though they may not have seen much of each other in recent times, once he picked up the brushes and paint and stood in front of a blank canvas again, they were very soon reacquainted with the bond and emotion that only such a strong connection can ensure lasts the test of time.
By once again standing in front of those huge canvases for which he is known in the art community, Mark began to realise how important art was in his his life and how the opportunity to paint wasn't just an opportunity to create a pretty or eye catching picture, but also to convey and process emotions that many people, not just he, struggled with on a daily basis. 
 
Although the lockdowns saw many of us have our lives restricted, the freedom that came from painting again helped Mark to balance those difficult periods. While still working in his professional career, Mark decided that never again would he walk away from his painting, his passion, his own form of mental health self care. 
 
It has long been recognised the benefit that art brings to all our lives, not just to look at and enjoy but also for those who choose to create. The freedom to express and process what may be a difficult emotion or just to celebrate something that brings you great pleasure. Art for many people can be a complete escape into worlds created in thought and a way to reduce stress and create something positive. A truly holistic approach that has such a strong power that it is no wonder why people find solace in throwing themselves with wild abandon into their chosen art forms.
 
As recent years have passed, Mark has promised his old friend that he will not forget them again. He is in the studio at every opportunity, usually with his music on, and his dog Maggie or cat Tank at his feet, often seen featuring in many of the pictures alongside him and keeping him company while he gets lost in his own ideas for hours on end. This deliberate dedication of time in the studio has seen Mark's skills progress rapidly with an evolving style that now ensures his art work can stand out and is instantly recognisable in his own style. With bright vivid colours, reference to a lot of popular culture that influenced Mark growing up in London and a love of all forms of creative media, Mark's paintings are usually known for their scale, their boldness and often with great affection for the subject he has chosen to celebrate. Out of a very dark time, something bright and beautiful has come and Mark would encourage anyone who feels the same, to try to feed their soul in the way that art has nurtured his own. 
 

Wishing you all my best,
Minty