Buildings matter and especially when they are places where we relax, eat, study and connect with others. These activities sit within the heart of our work at Sarum College. Recent visitors might have noticed some improvements across the college. We are appreciating new refractory chairs and tables on a new bright floor. Signposting has been improved for visitors. Our main teaching space has been decorated. There are curtains in the Common Room.
We have recently acquired a number of paintings by the Australian artist John Coburn. I met him during a visit to Sydney Australia in the mid-90s when looking at Australian dementia care. He was a man of stature, dignity and courtesy. He has an unassuming but deep interest in nature and religion. I see at the heart of his work the concept of renewal and the conviction. Coburn shows us that art has the power to regenerate in nature and in our human spirit. Though influenced by Matisse, Miro and Rothko his style is difficult to categorise.
He is inspired by his native landscape. You can see the freedom and imagination in the way he paints and prints. I found in his work a celebration of creation and the development and growth of the human spirit. His colours of vivid as is his use of shade and form. His work is playful and imaginative. This makes him a religious artist as he affirms the fundamental place of noticing, celebration, change and growth through the natural forms and shapes of the landscapes of Australia.
His representations of the tree of life are especially compelling, and you can find three these in various places across the college. Our main collection sits in the Seaton room which offers both space and perspective to enjoy these pictures. There is in this art spontaneity and reflectiveness.
We hope that they will be helpful to those who come for rest and reflection along with many others who seek to nurture their spiritual and religious lives here.
James Woodward
Principal