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An artist who did not paint for 35 years is set to hold his first solo exhibition.
Mark Crockett, from Narberth, will showcase his work at the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven throughout April.
The exhibition, called Rear View Mirror, is a collection of paintings reflecting on the last few years since he became ill in 2021.
The pieces often try to capture the first and last moments of light in the day, a point when things are simultaneously fading away and just beginning.
Since leaving art college in the late 1980s, Mr Crockett has travelled and worked all over the world, living in converted vintage buses, caravans, and various building sites.
He has spent most of the last 30 years in the mountains of central Portugal restoring abandoned stone houses.
Mr Crockett said: “After college, I put down my paint brushes following a loud and pointless argument with my tutor and didn’t pick them up again for 35 years.
“During that time, I picked hops, played records in clubs, and breathed fire over dancing crowds from the top of bass bins.
“I learned to surf, build houses, and I rediscovered photography.
“A few summers of being a wedding photographer in Portugal took me to some pretty amazing places with some incredible people.”
However, his life took a turn when he contracted an autoimmune disease that left him unable to work or surf.
He said: “I struggled with this massive change, not being able to work or surf anymore, and for a long time, I was in a really dark place.
“I don’t know why, but one day I picked up a paint brush and the paintings started to fall out.”
Despite his newfound passion for painting, Mr Crockett had no real intention of showing or selling any of his work.
He explained: “That’s not why I’ve been painting again.
“I’ve always drawn and painted since I can remember.
“I come from a family of creatives: my dad is a sculptor and painter, my brother is a digital artist, and now my daughter has just completed a foundation at UAL.
“Three generations of artists.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a solo exhibition and I’m pretty nervous but also excited as it will be nice to see all my recent work in one space.”
The Rear View Mirror exhibition by Mark Crockett can be seen at the Joanna Field Gallery throughout April during box office opening times.
Visit the Torch Theatre website for further details or phone the box office on 01646 695267.
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