Vulcan's Forge summer 2005

notes on my thinking and method
by John Scarland

I was invited to show pictures at the Fire and Iron Gallery in Leatherhead and even before my first visit it seemed important to create some new work that would, I was sure, be prompted by this unique site.
I have always been close to craft having spent many years using wood as a medium, so the appreciation of tools, measurements and working drawings are always very close to the surface.
I thought of Brangwn's industrial work and Stanley Spencer working during the war on the Clyde, but it was Valasquez and his work entitled Vulcan's Forge that started me on this work.
Vulcan, from the latin, giving us the word Volcano, was the mythological god of fire. From him came two lesser beings, Hephaestus the god of smiths and Vesta, goddess of the hearth fire.
Without any real notion as to the nature of this composition but with a strong conviction of the size and form of the work, I used fine linen to lay on three square plywood and timber supports. When primed and hung edge to edge they measured 3.3M wide x 1.1M high.

an automatic drawing 25th April 2005

With this classic triptych format it seemed clear at once that Vulcan would occupy the centre with Vesta and Hephaestus either side. I must now release the accumulation of information and sensations within me with a series of charcoals. By working in series I can be free to execute 'automatic' drawings direct from the sub-conscious, then choose and analyze results as a springboard towards what I judge to be the best representation of my sensations. On Monday 25th April I began this activity, generating a number of drawings and gouache studies. None seemed to me right. Very early on the 26th I made three ink drawings that connected immediately. I assembled these in Photoshop and applied paint to an ensuing A3 inkjet. I had my working drawing.

I shunned the muscular image of the mythological figure, finding instead an organic pelvic form that stood for a crucible, while introducing the blue to symbolize an electrical storm that would be Vulcan. Ducts transport this energy to the demi gods.
Freehand, I replicated the sketch on the final canvas, then, disposing of the drawings, made myself abandon the safety of previous 'finds'. Now working full scale, in full colour, I sought a high energy expression and integrity that must be visible in the completed work.