Some thoughts on my paintings
I am acutely aware that I am privileged to have the opportunity to make art – millions are not so lucky.
My paintings do not move smoothly from an ‘idea’ to a conclusion - nor do they begin with drawings. They evolve in a haphazard way through abstract marks. As the works develop, I seek to create a tension between surface and depth - often by varying the thickness of paint. At times I scrape with a palette knife or other tools to reveal previous layers. This opens up different options. Although I do not refer directly to figures or to landscape, my images are linked to the urban and natural environment. The agitated nature of much of my painting reflects our turbulent times. How could I paint joyful impressionistic scenes when thousands of innocent people are being killed in Gaza and around the world?
I would welcome comments – favourable or unfavourable. Also, it would be nice to sell some work at some point so that it doesn’t end up in a skip when I die. If you are interested in buying any of my paintings please get in touch.
Andy Day (b. 1955)
Hertfordshire College of Art and Design 1974-1975
Burslem School of Art Fine Art (Painting) 1975-1978
I took part in various exhibitions after leaving college including a group show at the Potteries Museum, a solo exhibition at the Brampton in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I also showed at the Midland View open exhibition and Stoke-on-Trent Open, both at the Potteries Museum.
In the eighties I got involved in the Labour and peace movements in Stoke-on-Trent, working for the Unemployment Action Centre, organising street collections for the striking miners in 1984/5 and helping to run the Peace Centre in Hanley until the early nineties. From 1993-5 I taught art in a middle school in Bedford and in 1995 returned to Stoke-on-Trent to work for the North Staffordshire Pensioners’ Convention until I retired in 2021.
Art has always played a big part in my life and I began to paint regularly again in 2016. Since retirement, I have devoted more and more time to my painting. In recent years I have enjoyed taking part in the annual ‘Three Counties’ exhibition in Stoke-on-Trent.
