Page 19 - For the purpose of this essay when I refer to ‘spirit’ ‘devine’ or ‘spirituality’ I am referring

Doran is known for his small format for works, but he challenges the viewer by
creating works whose canvases are literally oozing with paint. Doran continues to use
the vivid and extraordinary colour

combinations that made his earlier works
so seductive. However, with this latest
body of work, the artist has become more
inventive with the surfaces. Using razor
blades to slice open the paint’s surface, or
his fingers to rip away the partially dried
surfaces, Doran creates fissures and
imprints while simultaneously re-
applying patches of excess colour and
troweling paint to the extreme edges of
the canvas board (Fig-12). "For me,
practical and conceptual concerns are
inseparable. We live in a world that is
more easily defined by technology, but I
am interested in ideas about the
handmade, how human existence can be
communicated through the handmade in a
more meaningful way. There is a real
Fig –12. Wishing on a star (2003) by Paul Doran difference between process paintings and
Oil on linen over board (23cm x 23cm.)
paintings that emphasise the presence of
the human hand. For me, the latter is a more conceptual approach. I think that ideas
about the handmade have an important role to play in a contemporary context." Paul
Doran.

1. Do you believe that there is a spiritual dimension (such as divine influence,
connecting to something within ourselves but also greater than ourselves) to creating
your art?

For a long time I was sceptical of the spiritual in art, and believed that it was used as a
label for work (painting) that could not be easily explained. I now believe that the
spiritual is that innate drive that an artist must have, that same drive where the work of
the artist goes, even if this path is difficult. An artist only truly is in touch with the
spiritual when there is no compromise, compromise is not an option. The spiritual is
experienced deeply when an artist gives all in his/her work and is not swayed by trends
or art market desires. The spiritual for an artist is an isolated and lonely path, but the
only one worth living.

2. Do you believe great art can be created without being open to this influence? Is it a
necessary part of the creative process for you?

If one believes that the spiritual for an artist is only experienced when a truth is
followed, without compromise, then great art cannot be created without the spiritual.

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