ARTIST STATEMENT:
In my paintings of ‘Utah’ (and any geographic location) I am far more concerned with representing and questioning cultural and visual expectations than with illustrating a scene. I am especially intrigued by events that tie seemingly unrelated people and experiences together in broad cycles. My paintings are anthropological histories that reference many aspects of art such as still life, portraiture, landscape, religious subject matter, and their perceptions. They often dwell on the values, memories, and activities of ancient and contemporary cultures, “tracing” the traces they left behind. They are records of how humans impact the earth and leave their mark. All of my work, in some way or another, is about landscape and how humankind views itself through it and imposes its values on it. I twist perspective, visually and historically, just like we all do with our own memories and perceptions. This juxtaposition means each scene could simultaneously be hundreds of years in the past, in process of being constructed, or well into the future where only erosion and destruction remain .
ARTIST BIO:
Mark England grew up in California and Minnesota and was later transplanted to Utah where he earned his M.F.A. in painting. Wandering among the redwoods, through the fields of Midwestern farmland, viewing surreal formations in Utah, along with spending hours pouring through the pages of Time Life art books, cemented Mark's love of all things landscape and art. This love manifested numerous drawings, collage pieces and oil paintings. Mark's works reveal his unique perspective on geography, society, history and humanity. Currently, he is emulating the craft of his hero, Sargent.
Mark raised four creative children in Alpine, Utah. He designed and built homes and started the successful Dolcetti Gelato shop located at 9th and 9th in Salt Lake City while pursuing his painting passion. His bad habits include cold cereal after 10 pm. and not enough exercise. Mark is married to Kari which makes him insanely happy.
markenglandart.com
