Description

A painting about the outer vs the inner, the image of ourselves we project and the version/s of us that remain hidden.

When it comes to the pain and suffering of others we can complain, tweet and share endless megabytes of information, but when a hand in need is outstretched to us, do we take it, find an excuse or slap it away?

When I started this painting, I was musing on how Britain sees itself vs its behaviour, such as how it treats those with the least power.

So as the newspapers rev themselves up dividing people into ‘just victims’ in need of help and ‘people that brought it on themselves’, ask yourself why not everybody is worth the same effort.

Outwardly we take the form of a lion, but up close there’s nothing but a cold, hollow facsimile, a plaster cast of bravery.

Those who genuinely desire to care for others aren’t fussed about origin or circumstances, they just help because it’s what nourishes them. Support is an investment that always pays off, whether it’s a large gesture or just a kind smile in the street.

Acrylic and pencil on paper framed in an up cycled vintage frame.