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Courage, My Friend

by

MARTIN SHARP

a limited edition
9 colour screenprint
   C,M F



Courage, My Friend - the title of this limited edition screen print by Martin Sharp
is contained in a letter Vincent van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo.

During the time van Gogh was in Arles, he wrote with the frequency and enthusiasm
with which he drew and painted. Lots and lots and lots. One might say obsessively.

The letters provide insight into the discipline and disappointment faced by van Gogh
as he laboured on his work. He regarded painting as work and, as at that time,
work was something which must be done. Off to work everyday, to paint,
for example, a bridge, or the sunflowers growing all around in the fields of Arles.

It's very interesting reading these letters, as the composition of Martin's work
(originally executed as a large painting) is inspired by van Gogh's painting
 - The Painter on His Way to Work, Arles: July, 1888.

The painting is of van Gogh walking to work through the wheat fields besides the lake
into which Sharp has added a small fishing boat, providing both balance to the
right side of the composition and a sense of movement in sympathy to the figure
walking to work. Trousers tucked into sturdy boots, easel and paints firmly upon
the artist's back.

The reduction of the original painting into 9 colours for this terrific print, is testament
to Martin's ability to be both inspired by the genius of van Gogh and to add his own
feelings to this idea of art as work. Martin has previously worked with this image using
a favourite character, Mickey Mouse, to replace van Gogh in a very large painting
completed in the 1960's.

During the 1990's Martin again drew inspiration from the walking to work theme and
completed the painting upon which this print is based.

Further refinement of the original painting includes Mt Fuji as reference to van Gogh's
exclamation to brother Theo - "I have found Japan".

This beautifully coloured screen print by Martin is a wonderful celebration of work and
effort and determination, it justly deserves its' title - Courage, My Friend.

Stephen Lawson
Publisher
please call Stephen for prices 02 4782 1441
or email
art@worksonpaper.com.au


images by Martin Sharp                                                                    to see details of Martin's other works


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