This new series of paintings are titled with ballet terms, relating to the balance aspect of the composition. The theme that unites this work is one of precious fragility, whether Bell Jars, Balances or Houses of Cards.

The balances were partly inspired by natural forms. The yellow background pieces were painted in Spring and have more fragile forms, The others were painted in Summer and are fuller, partly inspired by my wife’s Dahlias growing outside my studio.

These, and the Bell Jars that hold these balances act as a reminder of the mobiles that my father made for me as a child, and I in turn then made for our children. I always considered them as magical.

Someone said that they were like ‘Dream Trees’. I love that. That you construct these precious dreams but they can all come tumbling down with the slightest breath.

Charles Inge

September 2024