Borin Van Loon: Stranglehold

Stranglehold (oil on board)

Another painting growing out of one of the remarkable monochrome photographs of the British master, Edwin Smith (an inveterate seeker for intriguing sculpture and details): see also Time Transfixed. This slightly damaged, and rather insignificant moulding at New Court, St John's College, Cambridge obviously caught Smith's eye. Perhaps it was the regal character of the architectural detail, or the veil of creeper which had invaded this hidden corner of one of the great and ancient Colleges. It stimulated me to make the stone face flesh and the eyes see through the gnarled tendrils.