Shining Light
February 2017
Oil on canvas

Shining Light is a series of oil paintings that place emphasis on the mystery, beauty, and romanticism of one’s relationship with the galaxy, and those relationships we harness within in; whilst also inviting the viewer to acknowledge the enormity and influencing factors of what lies beneath and above ‘the surface’.

Looking specifically at the romanticism of stargazing, the way in which people have navigated using the night sky, and looked to the stars for direction in love and life throughout history enthralls Sarah Mayhew Craddock who views elemental forces as having the capacity to offer great personal perspective.

Working with two of the deepest, naturally occurring pigments available, this depth of colour contrasts with the luminous flecks of the constellations prompting viewers to consider their position in time and space; in turn posing the question as to whether or not we ought to merely follow our gut instinct, and be guided by ‘that star’ that shines brighter than all the rest, yet changes according to the environment it’s seen in, or follow the well-trodden path.

The work takes its title from the song Shining Light by Ash – a song that resonates from the artists’ youth.

*All works in this series are now in private collections.