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M I C H A E L
C R A I K
Having worked closely with Sea Loft Studio, I have been lucky to cross paths with Micahel Craik and his work. Painting is one of the most challenging media. I see that it can reveal artists whose work does not stand. Michael’s work not only stands but also halts. There is a spiritual depth in Michael’s work that I have found both enticing and haunting. Hauting in the sense that one cannot be but honest when confronted by it.
Michael’s work delves into the interplay of color and repetition, producing quiet, meditative pieces that emphasize material qualities and process. His paintings are created through a method of repeatedly applying and removing paint, a reductive approach that echoes the forces of erosion shaping the natural landscape. Craik embraces the inherent properties of paint, allowing them to define the final appearance of each piece, resulting in minimalist, contemplative works. The edges of his paintings often draw particular focus, where sanding reveals layers of paint built up through techniques like brushing, pouring, or spreading. This layering process mirrors geological formations, akin to the deposition and erosion of rock. Living in Scotland, Craik is continuously inspired by the powerful natural forces that shape the land. His studio, perched on a cliff in Kinghorn, Fife, overlooks the River Forth estuary. Surrounded by the ever-changing tides and expansive waters, Craik finds these elemental processes subtly reflected in his artistic practice.
Further reading | Michael Craik