These paintings are based on classic skull symbolism and the attachment of symbolic meaning to both human and animal skulls.
The skull has been used to represent death and mortality in art for thousands of years, but such reading varies with changing cultural contexts. In Elizabethan England, the Death's Head Skull image without the lower jaw was used as a symbol for bawds, rakes, sexual adventures and prostitutes. Emblematic of The Libertine and often the wearing of a half skull ring would be used to advertise their station either professionally or otherwise. This series of work takes the form of large format paintings.
"As an artist I look to the past for inspiration, but have no plans to live there"
Please click on the print gallery image below to enlarge and see further details on the print.
