'Fieldburn 1980' Acrylic on canvas relief 95x29cm
[Dream target date - 1979-80]

Originally inspired by the corner constructions of Russian Suprematist Kasimir Malevich, Fieldburn is one of a series of abstract canvas reliefs originally built during 1979.

The canvas was subsequentally reworked in 1980 with the addition of a facetted, ploughed field motif recuring in my drawings of the period. This motif was inspired by the agricultural landscape dividing the village communities of North Nottinghamshire.

Although Blidworth had developed as an industrial mining village in the early part of the century, its agricultural heritage was still evident and the old practice of burning corn fields after harvest-time was a spectacular event in my childhood calendar. The burn signified the end of summer, when golden fields, consumed in waves of red flames, were rendered in their autumnal colours. It was a time for reflection and renewal with another academic year dawning and the dreams of summer fading into oblivion. It was a time when the local Fire Brigade, mainly part-time volunteers, came out in force to tackle uncontrolled fires sometimes started by village boys.

The 'Fieldburn' canvas appears in several conceptual art events throughout 1980, including submission to the Young Contemporaries Exhibition in London, ascribing further iconic value to the piece. The canvas is one of the few surviving artifacts from my 1980 portfolio.