Consciousness (2017) began its life in 1970 as a collection of sunflowers painted onto a piece of cardboard.
I wanted complete it in my own style, in much the same I have re-envisaged other pieces in my grandfather’s portfolio.
I worked with Miles from the grave in Collaboration (2017), which had been left unfinished since 1971. Consciousness (2017) is a much smaller piece, yet it was started at a similar time and never fully completed.
There were pencil lines visible and the painting was also not stored correctly, leading to some discolouration. The paint had even worn away in places and parts of the original cardboard box were visible.
Rejuvenation
For these reasons, it had never been displayed. I wanted not only to refresh the work, but also to bring my own touch to my grandfather’s work.
My first collaboration with my grandfather was in 1987. I painted this image when I was around 4 or 5 years old and without my knowledge, Miles had embellished it with a face.
I decided to return the favour in Consciousness (2017), by adding eyes in the centre of the flowers he had created. This was an original touch and one which he would have appreciated.
I have been drawing and painting eyes for a number of years now. They feature heavily in my abstract work and can be seen in my painting, Romance (2017).
Eyes Have It
The common theme in my art is that if you look at the paintings I create, they look back at you.
It was for this reason I wanted to paint eyes at the centre of the sunflowers.
I painted a blue background to create more contrast with the flowers, and it make it appear as though they were traversing through a cloudy sky.
Finally, I liked the psychedelic effect and felt that this was a perfect way to represent consciousness. The result is a painting brought back to life.
For the first time in 47 years, this piece of cardboard will be displayed. It is another way to preserving the art of Miles Finley for the next generation to enjoy (embellishments and all).