MURVELLOUS
LONDON
LIMITED EDITION PRINTS OF 50
John Murphy (born in East London) says he had a wonderful younger childhood. Unlike many of his friends who had very challenging early years, he said he felt very loved. However, when he started secondary school things started to change. He describes it as genuine hell. “I was bullied every day. Not just for my perceived sexuality, but I guess I was different. I loved dance, fashion and music. They became my escape from a society that judged me for not fitting the mould of a heterosexual, stereotypical teenager”
During these years, John’s mother would take him and his sister to dance classes where he excelled, ending up performing routines at clubs and halls. It was on one of these occasions that his talent was spotted by an agent at The Eastman Marley Organisation and his career as a professional dancer took off. From that day on his life would change forever.
During one of his performances, he was scouted by one of UK’s leading modelling agencies. Not able to pursue a career in both dance and modelling, he chose the latter, an option that catapulted him into the limelight, working for some of the world’s most recognised luxury brands, including Cartier, Tom Ford and Prada.
Whilst travelling the world as a model, John remained constantly pulled by his love of dance, fashion and music and the escapism that they provided him. Now with an eye for business he began running some of London’s most celebrated clubs in the West End, including the famous Shadow Lounge, finally starting his own, now successful company, Yellowcroft Events.
When Covid hit, the events’ market was notably one of the most affected industries. With little else to do at the start of lockdown, John, who was used to being surrounded by stimulation, said he felt numb. When a neighbour offered him two spare canvases, he started to paint for the first time in thirty years. Little did he know how passionate he would become about art and the platform it would provide to express himself again. His feelings of freedom, joy and fun are captured across his portfolio.
He started to put his work on social media, never thinking anyone would want to buy it, but offers started to come in. When an interior designer bought two pieces, he said he couldn’t believe it.
John is a passionate supporter of the charity ‘KidsOut’. The charity provides help for some of the country’s most disadvantaged children. He says he remembers the desperation he felt as a teenager but is himself proof that things change and you should never give up on your dreams.
Now recognised in the world of art, John’s intention is to both help to raise the profile of the charity, as well as creating pieces of work to sell to raise funds to help them.
Cathy Davies is a true inspiration, demonstrating that when life presents you with challenges, that we should see them as the opportunities to learn from and grow rather than barriers.
Her journey towards becoming a successful artist wasn’t the easiest and she will be the first to say it is still full of hurdles. As a child she struggled with undiagnosed learning disabilities which led to a lack of education and those around her not believing in her ability to succeed – regardless of her obvious talent as an artist. “Relying on myself from a very young age became second nature in order to get through life. After taking care of two poorly parents for a very long time finances were a struggle and despite yearning to paint, I could not even afford a canvas. It wasn’t until some years later when I was given one as a present along with some paints that my world changed. I couldn’t believe it when I sold my first painting. It was like someone had erased all my self-doubt. Using the money from my first sale I was able to buy more canvases and my journey begun. Being on the spectrum has definitely made me who I am. What some would say is a disability, I call my super-power. It is now how I intend to live my life day by day and I encourage anyone who thinks they are different to embrace it. Why blend in when you’re born to stand out?”
Cathy Davies emerges herself and her audience in beautiful landscapes, that explore and occasionally intertwine abstract imagery and realism within her mixed medium paintings. Cathy paints within acrylic and oil, whilst also using gold leaf and mixed media to enhance and contextualise her work. Cathy’s practice is truly explorative and ungrounded, allowing her to express passions authentically.
Throughout Cathy’s practice, she demonstrates a boldness to create both beautiful and charismatic works, with emotive and reflective narratives, installing her work with personality, bringing a contemporary twist to classic and beloved locations.”
LIMITED EDITION PRINTS OF 50
John Murphy (born in East London) says he had a wonderful younger childhood. Unlike many of his friends who had very challenging early years, he said he felt very loved. However, when he started secondary school things started to change. He describes it as genuine hell. “I was bullied every day. Not just for my perceived sexuality, but I guess I was different. I loved dance, fashion and music. They became my escape from a society that judged me for not fitting the mould of a heterosexual, stereotypical teenager”
During these years, John’s mother would take him and his sister to dance classes where he excelled, ending up performing routines at clubs and halls. It was on one of these occasions that his talent was spotted by an agent at The Eastman Marley Organisation and his career as a professional dancer took off. From that day on his life would change forever.
During one of his performances, he was scouted by one of UK’s leading modelling agencies. Not able to pursue a career in both dance and modelling, he chose the latter, an option that catapulted him into the limelight, working for some of the world’s most recognised luxury brands, including Cartier, Tom Ford and Prada.
Whilst travelling the world as a model, John remained constantly pulled by his love of dance, fashion and music and the escapism that they provided him. Now with an eye for business he began running some of London’s most celebrated clubs in the West End, including the famous Shadow Lounge, finally starting his own, now successful company, Yellowcroft Events.
When Covid hit, the events’ market was notably one of the most affected industries. With little else to do at the start of lockdown, John, who was used to being surrounded by stimulation, said he felt numb. When a neighbour offered him two spare canvases, he started to paint for the first time in thirty years. Little did he know how passionate he would become about art and the platform it would provide to express himself again. His feelings of freedom, joy and fun are captured across his portfolio.
He started to put his work on social media, never thinking anyone would want to buy it, but offers started to come in. When an interior designer bought two pieces, he said he couldn’t believe it.
John is a passionate supporter of the charity ‘KidsOut’. The charity provides help for some of the country’s most disadvantaged children. He says he remembers the desperation he felt as a teenager but is himself proof that things change and you should never give up on your dreams.
Now recognised in the world of art, John’s intention is to both help to raise the profile of the charity, as well as creating pieces of work to sell to raise funds to help them.