Artist Shazia Mahmood

Artist Statement Shazia Mahmood M.A

I am interested in beautiful scenery, natural landscapes. I want to share my interpretation of this vision. I am especially interested in The West Coast of Scotland, and the great American North West, particularly The Yosemite Valley. These landscapes are the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen and I am compelled to paint them. The scenery has left a mark on my consciousness and these are my most recent paintings.
Shazia Mahmood, 2009

My work is about presenting to you the West Coast of Scotland. I paint from an area called Arisaig and up to the Isle of Skye. I am captivated by this area because of the spectacular landscape with its multifaceted drama and tempestuousness.

I have travelled to many mountain ranges including the Southern Alps of New Zealand, the Swiss Alps and the Pyrenees, but Scotland always pulls me back, particularly the West Coast.

The West coast of Scotland is, I think, one of the worlds best kept secrets. It has the most inspiring landscape I have ever seen and I go twice a year to spend a few weeks of intensive drawing and taking photographs. I have also recently been captivated by the North Norfolk coastline another great place to really understand skies and the sea.

The light, the sea and the mountains have a unique and quite special character; which never fails to inspire me.

The technique;

The mediums I choose are very specific to my paintings and I have taken a long time to perfect the process. I believe if you are trying to recreate a real sense of a place you need to explore the interaction between the subject and the medium.
Each mark is layered on the canvas I use a particular process and special methods of application. I hope the process becomes clearer as you unlock the painting.

The very first stage of the painting is based upon a simple chemical reaction which is reliant upon the inks used. Specific quantities of P.V.A are then applied drawing out the orange/blue tones, which can be seen on the horizon lines of the painting.

The conversation between painter and composition could be seen to limit a progressive expression. Therefore a unique approach is absolutely vital for these paintings to be successful. For the drama and moodiness to work, a very specific technique has been employed using pallet knifes to sponges, so as not to disrupt the urgency and movement of the emotion evoked from experiencing the synergy between landscape and weather.

This is the most vital mission I have as a painter.
My intension for the viewer is to enjoy and spend time with the work, and unveil its secrets, and to watch the scenery unfold.

As when watching a spectacular storm however long it takes to go on, we still remain fascinated. I aim to achieve this with my paintings

This is what I hope the paintings achieve.


Education

1996-1997 M.A. European Fine Art - Winchester School of Art;
1993-1996 B.A. Fine Art Painting (2:1)
1991-1993 National Diploma in general Art & Design (Merit),
Reigate School of Art and Design


Exhibitions
2012
Scotlandart.com
The Castle Gallery, Inverness
Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge New work Cornwall
2011
Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge. Solo show, April 30 - May
Aberdeeen Art Fair, represented by The Castle Gallery.
Wey Gallery, Godalming
Greens and Blues, North Berwick
2010
Glasgow Art Fair, represented by The Castle Gallery.
Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge - Summer exhibition.
2009
Greens and Blues, East Lothian - April 3-26
Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge. Summer exhibition - July-August
The Castle Gallery, Inverness. Solo show - October 3
The Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Oxford
The Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells
Art in the City, Glasgow
Kranenburg Fine Art, Oban
Roman Black Gallery, Fulham Road, London
2008
Solo show, Ireland, May 2008. Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Oxford
Mixed show, Thompsons Gallery, Aldeburgh
Mixed show, Cambridge Contemporary Art
Mixed show, Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridge Wells
Mixed show, Roman Black Gallery, London
Mixed show, Mansfield Park Gallery, Glasgow
Mixed show, Castle Gallery, Inverness
Mixed show, Art in the City, Glasgow
2007
Solo show, Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
Mixed show, Carby Gallery Aberdeen
Mixed show, Castle Gallery, Invernes
London Art Fair 2007, Roman Black Gallery
20/21 Royal College of Art, Red Gallery
Holkham Paintings, Cambridge Contemporary Art
Glasgow Art Fair, Castle Gallery
Art In the City, Glasgow
Art Ireland, Dublin, Red Gallery
Solo Show, Cambridge Contemporary Art
2006
Art London, Roman Black Gallery, London
Mixed show, Fairfax Gallery, Tunbridgewells
Landscape show, Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
Solo show, Castle Gallery, Inverness, Scotland
Mixed show, Carby Gallery Aberdeen
Mixed show, The Torrance Gallery, Edinburgh
Mixed show, The Roman Black Gallery, Fulham London
Mixed show, The Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Oxford

Private Collections
American Bureau of Shipping, London
Npower, London
Darent Valley Hospital
Frontline Communications Group