Mark Cawood

Artistic background

From an early age I preferred to communicate through drawing and painting rather than reading and writing. Aged twenty-three I moved to London where I drove a truck. However after an accident and three months in hospital, rather than return to my job I enrolled onto an art course and eventually graduated with a Fine Art Degree (2/1) at the University of East London, in 2000.
I have since exhibited and sold artwork focusing on contemporary themes such as animal welfare and global warming. From 2011-18 I taught in the Lifelong Learning sector, incorporating art into the English curriculum to help SEN students achieve qualifications. In 2024 I published my book 'Heavy Rainbows' focussing on personal experiences that influenced my art, and created: heavyrainbows.com. I presently enjoy exhibiting artwork at galleries.

Quote

Art can open our minds to a new and alternative world. An image can be thought-provoking, challenging, beautiful or intoxicating with the potential to change perceptions.

Interests

Art is an important form of communication offering an alternative way of seeing. We often do not know what we think or believe whilst knowing instinctively what we feel.
Whilst my work maintains a relationship with reality, I enjoy involving elements of abstraction to convey contemporary social subjects. Inspiration often develops from personal memories, reflection, and an empathy for our natural environment. However, ultimately the artwork will always represent itself regardless of analysis or opinion, and will outlive contemporary views and trends.