The Waterfront Gallery
Till 5 November 2011

Award winning artist and native of Hakin, Philip Muirden derives much of his inspiration from Milford Haven and the Docks, the results of which can be seen in his one man show at the Waterfront Gallery in the Milford Dockstill 5 November.

Philip refuses to adhere to one brand image and his output always contains
several different approaches, as he explained, “I have this need to celebrate straightforward retinal images of vessels and people. I really enjoy the observational work, drawing and painting what I see. Then there’s the desire to externalise surreal and social inner thoughts about the human condition – all are equally important to me.“

He works in many styles and media, switching from watercolour to oils to pencil as the mood takes him and the work demands. All his work is very carefully observed, full of precise detail.  In fact he can frequently be seen sketching in and around Milford Haven Docks.  “I‘m convinced that artists must constantly explore their own role in the light of mankind’s technological and intellectual advances.  I know I’m a dinosaur with my own hand and eye crafted images” he explained.

Part of the exhibition displays clowns used as metaphors for general human behaviour which come from his imagination; another section shows large pencil portrait drawings, studio studies of local Milford Haven characters such as retired tug men, publicans, refinery workers and deckhands, which he calls his “Men of Hakin” series together with drawings and paintings of deep sea fishermen whom Philip praises for their dangerous work in hard conditions. The third section is derived from Milford Haven Docks and his beloved boats.

Now in his 80th year Philip has spent his whole life as an artist and educator starting as an art teacher and progressing to Senior Lecturer at Mansfield and Head of Foundation Studies at Newport College of Art. 

Throughout this time he has always painted and exhibited and has been selected on numerous occasions for the Sunday Times Watercolour of the Year Show, The Royal Watercolour Society, London, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Welsh Artist of the Year and many other exhibitions in London, Cardiff and Newport. 

The exhibition entitled “Clownscapes” opens on 14 October and continues until 12 November. Admission is free.

The Waterfront Gallery
The Old Sail Loft

Discovery Quay

The Docks
Milford Haven 

Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF
T: 01646 695699 


E: thewaterfrontgallery@hotmail.co.uk
http://www.thewaterfrontgallery.co.uk/

Philip Muirden's online gallery: http://www.philipmuirdengallery.co.uk/