"Tomato soup – Is one of the series of paintings with the character Sniffy. As with most of this range of my work I play with a fair measure of humour and topical issues. Often, I will use contrasting artistic devices i.e. Traditional/conventional v Conceptual/contemporary. The traditional element, Blenheim painting, contrasts with the table arrangement of Sniffy, cat, burger, Tomato soup and other items that act as a conceptual floor artwork. I refer to these works as being little playlets or staged theatre. In the background is a traditional painting, an elevation of Blenheim palace in the Cotswolds. As you are no doubt aware this is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. In the foreground we see ‘Sniffy’ lying on a table or plinth, in his usual profile aspect acting the clown, balancing a pile of books symbolising learning and a compote of open pears representing ‘food for thought’ and fecundity. The cat looks directly at the viewer quizzically with incredulity at his silliness. On the table the ubiquitous burger transcends cultures, the wine glass represents the fruits of our labours the playing card and apple are metaphors for love. The painting’s title ‘TOMATO SOUP’, refers to the simple basic universal food which warms and comforts the heart and sums up this tongue in cheek arrangement."

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