http://www.ablot.com

Enigmatic Contemporary Art by Tim Seaward

I am more than just a material being ... ... There are too many strange and amazing incidents in this world for me to simply seek a quietly successful life. ... There is a powerful enigmatic "something" deep within that, if I could but wake it, it might allow me to advance dynamically towards what I see as true creativity. But what is it? Some people call it the soul. But this is not the romantic image - all love, peace, and soft edges. It is gutsy, basic, sometimes painful, even sacrificial ... yet there is an unfathomable determination which tantilizes, even compells me to take one dangerous stammering step towards the labyrinth with each tentative mark, each faultering stroke I make.

What have I done?

I have been painting ever since I was seven and I have always had an active interest in anything to do with art. I have performed at a number of venues such as the ICA in London, and at the Edinburgh Fringe. I took part in the first poetry Birming-slam at the MAC in Edgbaston and have read my poetry in various places around the country. However, my "first love" is painting, and I have always been able to produce work in the most unlikely places ... I began a series of surreal work in the jungles of Malaya ... whilst being employed by Her Majesty's Government as a Royal Marine. I produced some detailed pencil work in the foothills of the Himalaya's ...whilst being taught Tibetan Buddhism at the monastry that is the present home (in exile) of the Dalai Lama. And I was inspired to produce a series of abstract pastels whilst attempting (and failing!) to go on a solo trek around Dartmoor. If you want a chronogy of my artistic endeavours then: 1958 First inspired to paint 1965 Started my first abstracts in oils 1974 First solo show in Stevenage, Hertfordshire For the next six years I exhibited and sold work all over the country - and a few other countries 1981 Foundation at Bourneville Art College Birmingham 1982-4 BA (hons) in Graphic Design at Wolverhampton Polytechnic For the next twelve years I exhibited and sold work all over the world I produced illustrations for various programmes for the BBC and ITV (Central) 1996 Settled in Stourbridge with my partner Shirley How where I began to receive private and commercial commssions 2003 Was invited to show works at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists exhibition "The Mythical Muse" 2004 Have had several solo shows around the country. I now live and work in France with a number of exhibitions happening. Have a look on my website for details.