PAUL LOCK
THAMES DITTON, SURREY
Like his beliefs and former lives, Paul Lock’s subjects are demolished and rebuilt again to find a new truth. The fundamental parts are the same but rearranged and changed forever. After a life changing moment in 2011, Paul realised everything he understood about reality was untrue, his perception of himself and the world around him changed forever. At the same time Paul picked up a paint brush for the first time. Able to see who he was clearly, he began to see, love and paint others. Paul uses colour in a brand-new way, to break down and rebuild his subjects, in what’s now become his signature ‘mapping’ style. Paul said, “I feel like my whole life had been leading me to this moment. I couldn’t have painted before 2011, my mind was too loud, I was confused about life and who I was. It wasn’t until reality shifted, and my mind quietened that I was able to create and paint”. Following two successful solo exhibitions in Fitzrovia, London, Paul is fast building a fan base and his art now hangs in private collections around the world. Paul spends most of his time in his studio, on the bank of the River Thames in Thames Ditton, where he also lives with his wife and daughter.
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.”
Like his beliefs and former lives, Paul Lock’s subjects are demolished and rebuilt again to find a new truth. The fundamental parts are the same but rearranged and changed forever. After a life changing moment in 2011, Paul realised everything he understood about reality was untrue, his perception of himself and the world around him changed forever. At the same time Paul picked up a paint brush for the first time. Able to see who he was clearly, he began to see, love and paint others. Paul uses colour in a brand-new way, to break down and rebuild his subjects, in what’s now become his signature ‘mapping’ style. Paul said, “I feel like my whole life had been leading me to this moment. I couldn’t have painted before 2011, my mind was too loud, I was confused about life and who I was. It wasn’t until reality shifted, and my mind quietened that I was able to create and paint”. Following two successful solo exhibitions in Fitzrovia, London, Paul is fast building a fan base and his art now hangs in private collections around the world. Paul spends most of his time in his studio, on the bank of the River Thames in Thames Ditton, where he also lives with his wife and daughter.