Paul Summerfield
Digital Painter / Illustrator / Graphic Designer
Artist Statement
This new body of work is a reflection of my travels in Japan and the ideas and concepts I had while on this trip. The name Secret Cities is inspired by the small hidden spaces, often teeming with life, in large bustling cities. I felt a real sense of belonging to different places I lived in while traveling, and some of those places and experiences have been woven into the works.
“Garden Metropolis” is a cross section of an imaginary city bursting with life, people and nature. I started painting this work while living in Tokyo, its busy abstract city life has been etched on to my consciousness. I often traversed through the city by foot, discovering small cafes, galleries, onsens, gardens, old houses, strange shops, arcades, gyoza, people, parks, bars, staircases to interesting places, street art, bright lights and over grown blocks of land between skyscrapers. Modern buildings clashing with 80’s architecture juxtaposed with traditional edo period houses, and roof tops stretching out as far the eye can see, every colour and every shape. Inspired by the many mesmerising sights, smells and sounds, I found myself drawing secret places that people could escape to and relate to, find sanctuary, sleep in and be at home in.
Secret Cities is a painted montage of Japan, Australia and the worlds within my mind.
I hope you can discover the details that are hidden and layered into these works and make your own journey through Secret Cities.
Paul Summerfield
Please send me an email if you have any questions or want
to buy a work, before they run out. hehe ;-)
