40 x 30cm
£395

Painting of Bargoed Colliery

The painting is part of the series "Valley Lines: Bargoed to the Bay".

The paintings explore the historical, economic and cultural connections - both physical and emotional - between people and places in the South Wales Valleys and Cardiff.

The paintings invite the viewer to reflect on Cardiff and the Valleys' move from a (physically tough) industrial and maritime economy, based on the mining, transport and export of coal, to an e-commerce, media and tourism based economy of entertainment and leisure opportunities.

Railways, bridges and viaducts are common themes in my paintings. 

The viaduct represents the passing from one stage of life to another (growing up).

Railway lines represent the passing of time, as one views the passing of the landscape from the carriage window, or seeing the train pass, as one seems to view the passing of a loved one, or of your children growing up and moving away, while you feel you are standing still and remaining the same.

The colliery is long gone and, though there are four railway lines (representing multiple choices) all the choices seem to lead down the Rhymney Valley towards Cardiff.

The bright colours indicate spring and a new beginning, but it is a beginning away from home and the ones we love.