Ian creates large abstract paintings and drawings. His canvases contain subconscious imagery and explosive marks. These marks are born through physical and emotional expression. Although he does on occasion use more traditional materials such as brushes, oil sticks and charcoal, Ian prefers to paint with sticks, squeegees, and his hands. The drawing element is important in this work, allowing for a raw and a more real feeling of liberation through mark making.

After the initial expressive mark has been made Ian constructs a carefully thought out composition which is punctuated by a frenzy of expressive marks. These compositions are often born out of elements of many preparatory drawings and photographs. During the course of a painting, Ian masks out sections, whites areas out to start from scratch and turns the canvas both on its side and its head. Torn paper is often collaged onto sections of the painting bringing with it the idea of fragmentation, as well as creating more space within the canvas.

There are often figurative elements within Ian's canvases, and he is currently exploring the use of limbs, eyes and teeth. Ian uses the eye motif as a metaphor for an opening, the eye is said to be the boundary between the soul and the outside world. Cage like structures and teeth also play a role, with teeth being a direct link to the skeleton. Ian's subject matter has included Eastern philosophy, spiritual renewal, journeys and death and rebirth. Inspiration is drawn from art history, emotions, song lyrics and his surroundings, he is also interested in the unfinished and the imperfect. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly, and more recently Christopher Wool and Albert Oehlen influence Ian.

Ian has been developing his practice at Widcombe Studios since February 2006, and is currently producing new works on paper and canvas.

Sample images:

Contact:

Web page

http://www.ianmaslen.com

Email

mail@ianmaslen.com