“My work primarily focuses on two themes: nature vs technology, and the struggles of finding identity within an increasingly connective world.  Regarding the first theme, I’m hardly anti-technology, but I do believe it’s time we slowed down our continuous expansion into nature and relearned to enjoy simple pleasures again like canoeing and skiing.  Rather than making these activities our holidays they should be part of the norm. 

     And as far as identity goes, I’ve found that in this internet age, it’s becoming increasingly hard to be noticed among all the other talented individuals.  Much of my work asks the question of how to get yourself noticed.

           Still although the work deals with these themes, I try not to get much deeper into my thoughts on each painting as I believe the best artwork doesn’t have an “answer.” 

The best artwork allows for the viewer to find their own meaning within it.  That’s why I know I’m on the right track when I discover a new theme as I’m working on a painting, besides the one that I set out for it to be about.  If I, as the artist can become a viewer as well, then I am on to something.”

Ian Mark stewart