"Into the Mystic"

Into the Mystic by GJ Gillespie sold.

Artist Statement

In this piece, I aimed to capture Turner's essence while infusing it with my own artistic vision. Using a mix of found papers, tissue, cloth, and various paints, I built layers that echo Turner's color palette and values. However, my approach diverges by introducing abstract expressionist elements, adding lines, sails, and masts in a way that creates ambiguity and depth.

The process involved carefully selecting and manipulating materials to achieve a balance between recognizable forms and abstract elements. By incorporating unexpected materials like grocery ads and crossword puzzles, I inject a contemporary commentary on consumerism and information overload into the historical context.

This work is not just a representation of a naval scene, but a meditation on art history itself. It invites the viewer to explore the tension between classical maritime painting and modern abstraction, challenging perceptions and evoking a sense of the mystic – much like the Van Morrison song that inspired its title.