Ian WOOD

 BIOGRAPHY

Ian commenced an interior design career in 1975 and has completed interiors for residences, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, motels, clubs and restaurants. He has also designed and manufactured numerous unique items of furniture. These include chairs and tables; lounge, bedroom and office furniture and designs for lighting, floor coverings, fabrics and wall-coverings.

In April 2002 Ian began developing ideas, skills and techniques as an artist. His careful selection and use of colour are clear expressions of the joyful approach to his art, creating works that are both enjoyable and adventurous. The intricacy of each work provides new discoveries with each viewing, whether by cursory glance or intimate study.

Through his original techniques and materials, Ian produces remarkable works of great strength and depth whilst possessing a delicacy that flows from an intimate knowledge and love of his selected medium.

His first exhibition was held in Melbourne in July, 2004 and was followed by an exhibition of new works in early December, 2004. During the months of March and April 2005 he had an exhibition of specially selected works at the convent gallery in Daylesford, Victoria.

In April 2005 Ian was informed of his selection for the Sausalito art festival, one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the world. Now in it’s 53rd year, the Sausalito art festival attracts an attendance of over twenty five thousand art buyers from around the world. Ian is the first Australian artist to be invited to exhibit work at this world-famous art event in san Francisco. As a result of the festival Ian now has works in private collections in Chicago Illinois, Seattle Washington, Wichita, Kansas and Portland Oregon as well as Sausalito, point Richmond and san Francisco, California.

Together with six international award-winning artists from the 2005 Sausalito art festival, Ian exhibited aboard the ‘crystal harmony’, a six star cruise liner, in November, 2005. This one week exhibition and cruise set sail from los angels visiting cabo san Lucas, Mazatlan and puerto Vallarta in Mexico providing the opportunity to show work to people from around the world.

As a result of this exposure Ian has been encouraged to prepare and present work to one of the world’s largest firms of art distributors. The success of this venture will see Ian’s original art and giclee prints marketed internationally.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Using pen & ink, coloured pencils &/or pastels, Ian creates his work in layers. Each layer adds more detailed colour & is then sprayed with a workable fixative or a brushed on matt medium. By repeating this process several times the colours, whether rich and bold or delicate and subtle, produce an explorable visual texture of great depth & energy.

This delicate attention to detail allows new discoveries with each viewing, whether by cursory glance or in-depth study. The intricately woven link through each colour results in a unique luminous quality. In December 2005 Ian introduced words & sentences in the lineal details of his work adding further surprises.

Ian applies his techniques to canson mi-tientes art paper or artboard or to opaque herculene drafting film. The drafting film allows for work to be done on both sides which adds an extra dimension. In some of his latest work he has used two sheets of herculene drafting film bringing further intrigue & mystique.

The art of Ian wood is inspired by the unique colours and ancient textures that are Australia. From the hidden vibrancy of tropical coral reefs and desert outback to the subtle hues and delicacy of the contrasts in the high country, Ian is enamoured with their strange beauty.

By exploring the mysterious aura and wonder of his native land and it’s very heart, Ian’s colourful textural essays reveal something of the nature and spirit of Australia. His detailed & emotive studies capture an unseen movement and essence where fragrance, sound and colour are of the same spectrum & therefore also of his palette.

Before commencing a career in contemporary fine art, Ian had been an interior designer since 1975, completing many commercial and residential projects. This background is evidenced in his thoughtful and deliberate selection & use of colour.

MISSION STATEMENT

To continually perfect skills and develop techniques to create works that are not only joyous and adventurous but bring hope, healing and a touch of humour.

"come singing, come dancing
bring shouts of praise
come laughing, come softly
with songs of joy or tears of pain
the spirit of this great south land
of bursting sun, of precious rain
brings healing, brings comfort.
Inhale the beauty, drink it’s splendour
I’m taken, captured, loved -
this land, this glory, my home"
- Ian Wood