London Calling
This painting was inspired by writing my memoir in part. as well as a visit to London in 2025 and my first encounter with the London Wheel. When I first arrived in London in 1980 I was 16 and as green as grass. The city gave me much in the way of experiences, some welcome and many not. While recalling my life by writing about those experiences, I wasn’t sure how I felt about London now. Back at the start of 2025 I didn’t have the courage to visit alone but a trip their with my partner changed that. We took a ride on the London wheel, as neither of us had experienced it and that changed my perspective of viewing the city that made me feel so small and vulnerable, was now the small entity being looked down upon. That thirty minute ride helped me to re-frame some of my feelings about London. I felt compelled to paint a version of that view and a further two months on the ‘urge’ to return to London alone arrived. Much like when the urge to paint arrived I did my best to ignore this urge too but this too grew stronger until I made my first solo visit. It’s the start of a process. I have places I will revisit fondly and others I may need to confront. This painting is to remind me I have unfinished business with London and I am no longer a frightened homeless child.
Oil on board 12 x 8 in
Not for Sale
