INSPIRATION - Standing Stones

I've always been fascinated by the concept of "Standing Stones" or "Menhir" - mysterious stone monoliths spread across the world. Thousands of years old and with debatable origins and purposes (ranging from boundary markers, sites of religious rites, astronomical or seasonal calendars) they nevertheless occupied an extremely important role in early people's lives. We know this due to the amount of work that must have been required to transport the stones to their locations, and the fact that many of them remain intact and upright to this day.

A standing stone in Ireland. Photo source

Often solitary, they can also be found forming a circle (or henge), in rows, or creating loose structures known as "Dolmens".

An example of a dolmen. Photo source

Standing stones forming a row in the countryside. Photo source

The scale, mystery, age and importance of these stones have always resonated with me. Their heaviness, both literal and figurative, as well as their isolation in the elements and endurance in time are something to be marveled at. Furthermore, their allusions to the figure are obvious. I can't help but look at them and suspect that at least some small part of their purpose was to appear like standing giants. It is this strength, endurance, mystery and isolation that I've often sought to translate into my figure paintings. Below are some examples that I feel capture these qualities well. 

An Allegory, latex paint on canvas, 30x48", 2017

Stricken Man, latex paint on canvas, 30x48", 2018

Inheritance, latex paint on canvas, 36x48", 2016