The Finest Frigate of Foreign Diplomacy Aground Upon the Selfish Shore of Isolationism

Kevin Fletcher

Kevin Fletcher's titles may sometimes seem obscure but generally do relate to the image he has created, assigned after the print is finished. This dramatic black and white monotype, relates to a ship that has run aground and is being ripped apart by the external elements. It could be a reference to Brexit or a comment on current US foreign policy.

In a note to the gallery in May of 2017 Fletcher wrote: "When I begin the monotypes I don't have a particular goal in mind. My use of tools and an opening gambit will expose a set of possible directions. As the marks begin to overlap in at least three different areas of the ('field') rectangle, one can see a structure surface, gradually come into focus that, by associative memory, bears its meaning and balance. Patterns of light and shadow, elements of water and gases (steam) are introduced to give natural forms a presence against architectonic ones.

The collective impact is a memory-based image, suggestive of a place, rather than being dedicated to exactitude and specificity. The speed of execution keeps the result hopefully fresh-looking and immediate, a bit spontaneous. A tension also comes from what some may consider a lack of finish and details. A pleasing result must be 'discovered,' not 'illustrated.' I find the eventual resolve of an image to sometimes defy an exact characterization. It may simply find stasis or climax based on techniques used."