Mel Stephenson
UK

When I begin painting, I do not have a clear vision in mind. I start with a feeling, a sense or a memory that comes to life through the medium I use. Charcoal is the most direct access to this place within me that permits direct expression. Working in oils marks a different process both psychologically and creatively. Images lie in layers beneath the surface, symbolic of my struggle to discover the true metaphor that wishes to be seen.
My recent work evolves from a deep pool of images that emerge into consciousness, guided by listening and an inner knowing. The landscapes appear almost despite me, with only a sense of right and wrong as a guide. This is not a cognitive process; rather the work is created by my psyche's need to reveal itself. Paintings can take from a few weeks to a few months to complete, finishing when there is a meeting between paint and soul.
(Mel Stephenson) www.landscapesofsoul.com