About this artwork

A Resonant Collaboration: Ziggy Played Harpsichord for Chris Kibble

This particular piece, my sixth original drawing, holds a special significance as the cover art for Chris Kibble's newly released album. I'm delighted to present it now, inviting you to experience the synergy between the visual and auditory.

Commissioned in 2021 by the esteemed pianist Chris Kibble; renowned for his extensive work with Robin Jones's 'King Salsa' big band, his sextet 'Latin Underground', and numerous other celebrated artists, this project was a profound artistic journey. Chris's latest endeavour reimagines the early music of David Bowie, ingeniously weaving themes and melodies from the original songs with new compositions and improvised harpsichord. The album pays homage to the 50th-anniversary year of Bowie's pioneering work, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

This piece stands as, to date, my most extended artistic undertaking, nearing 300 hours of meticulous creation. It provided the perfect canvas to apply a transformative new technique learned from master Hyperrealist Emanuele Dascanio: a unique hatching method building multiple, exceptionally soft layers (up to five in the darkest areas). I trust you will perceive the profound effects of this graphite work, evident in the vastly richer, deeper contrasts and nuanced textural effects it yields. While my exploration of this method is ongoing, I am immensely satisfied with the captivating depth achieved in this work.
________________________________________

Surface: A2 Daler Rowney Fine Grain Cartridge 160gsm
Size: 38.8 x 38.8 cm (52cm x 52cm Framed)
Medium: Graphite Pencils + added elements in Photoshop for CD