John Furness – Life Works, ‘Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind’

Colourful psychedelics abound from the mandalas through the portraits and into the fantastical landscapes of ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’, a solo exhibition of the works of John Furness.

John Furness was born in Brixham in 1953 and has lived in Torbay all of his life.

He attended Art College in Torquay in 1973 completing a foundation course in art and two years in graphic design and then began painting as a freelance artist.

Between 1975 and 1978 John worked in the studio pottery of Sir Robert Tinnyunt which was based at Kingsteignton (http://www.studiopottery.com/cgi-bin/mp.cgi?item=265). However, during this time John suffered from psychosis and mental health problems and was diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia from which he has never fully recovered. John attributes his illness to his grandmother’s death in 1974 and his indulgence with hallucinatory drugs which he also cites as the inspiration for much of his artistic work.

‘As a visual artist, I use my imagination and visionary experience for much of the subjects that I paint, I rarely paint from nature but work from my own inner sense, from emotions and feelings that are part of my experiences, visions and imaginings.’

John has exhibited previously in joint and one man shows in London, Exeter, Totnes, and elsewhere, where his work has sold widely. Most recently he exhibited in a joint show here at Artizan last year where he also sold. We are delighted to have John back for this solo show.

For more information visit http://www.artizangallery.co.uk/article/358-john-furness-life-works