Gillian Naylor 12-09-2003 to 24-10-2003 [ Artists statement ]

The more you have the happier you are An exhibition of paintings and prints by Gillian Naylor The new exhibition at Greystones Gallery, Glenridding, is a collection of visual remarks challenging the notion that the more you have, the happier you feel. Questioning the reality of a world in which commercialism answers our needs and constantly gives us new ‘false’ dreams to aspire to, Gillian Naylor responds through seeking a harmony from within. Gillian’s illustrative and energetic style contain figurative marks on colourful canvases. The images become spontaneous responses to her thoughts and surroundings, and grow into narratives that remain mysterious and open to the viewer’s interpretation. The paintings are initially drawn with a stick ‘to keep the mark-making energetic’ and then built up using layers of colour to create texture. Born in Wasdale, the Lake District, Gillian graduated from The Cumbria Institute in 1999 with a first in Fine Art, and is now based in Carlisle. Gillian is also the director of Matrix Art Projects, which provide community arts activities in north Cumbria, and is a member of West Walls Studio in Carlisle. ‘The more you have the happier you are’ is open every day from 10am to 5pm and ends on the 24th October.