Mixed Media on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

'The Inked Optimist' mixed media incorporates collage, acrylic paint and printing inks. It has a satin finish. There is a back story to this work from my personal experience, but rather than colour it with my experience, I think it important to make it your story/experience/aspirations. There are quotes, as well as the background collage which is made up of positive words.

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 102cm square.

Signed on the lower right corner and comes with as a certificate of authenticity.

Has strap at the back ready to hang.

It is an archival canvas and paints, and has UV protected vanish, it will not fade in direct sunlight.

Requires one week for satin finishing and UV protection.

If you would like another version to your size specifications as a commission, please contact me through this on this website.

The Optimist Story (My Story):

At the beginning of 2019 my best friend and soul mate died very suddenly and I was incredibly upset and angry.

My friend was a very religious person, a catholic in fact, he had also been a gay activist at the time of the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s. He had done a lot of incredible good in the world, he was an incredible Optimist for other people and had the ability to encourage people to be there best self, I was lucky to be on receiving end of this.

I struggled with the doctrines of religion and the use of the word God. But I so believe in the power of good and love in the world. So to cut a long story short. I replaced the word ‘God’ for the word ‘Love’ where ever it was used. Where it made sense and it does a lot, I could see the same wisdom. So he and I agreed on most things even though he was religious and I was not.

So when he died, I asked myself what would Love do? And the symbol of the Cross I replaced with the symbol of the Heart. The Heart being the action of love, not just the speaking of the word which requires no action.

I created the background newspaper with all positive words ie. honesty, courage, love, generosity, I added to it most nights. And I just started drawing hearts. I keep painting and drawing them, each one is different from the next. I stopped feeling sad and angry about his death and began to feel grateful for the time we had had and that we agreed on most things he saw as God and I could see as Love. I will properly keep doing them for a very long time, because they just fill me with great pleasure and optimism.

I could go on and on about this.

Hope this was helpful to understand my insight into this.

I have done a few personalised commissions where I have included saying and quotes that people love into the background.