STATEMENT
Andrew Cheetham
My Artwork could be described as documentary in that I prefer to work from life. In the past I have focused on the former centres of Industry and Commerce, the grandeur and dramatic beauty that I find in the physical remains of our Industrial heritage. Working from subject matter including derelict warehouses, burned-out churches and disused railway lines, my aim is to portray the majesty of decay.
I have been documenting the Scarborough Fishing Industry since September 2000 and in August 2004, after making enquiries to the Harbour Master; I converted an empty baiting shed on the harbour’s West Pier into a studio.
During this period I have witnessed Scarborough’s fishing fleet decline drastically, with owners selling boats and gear. Whilst at first the fishermen were wary of me - thinking I was checking their quotas when stood sketching them - they are now used to me drawing them at work and I have accompanied them out on their boats.
Throughout this time the sea has been a constant in my work. Constantly changing, constantly inspiring.
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