Painted due to great sadness and horror at the unfolding tragedy in The Balkans in the early 1990’s. Naively hoping that war in Europe would not be happening again, not after 1945 when lessons were learnt. Surely not again? It seems that you might as well ask for a miracle, like being able to walk on water. If only.

It’s a dreamlike place for people to escape to away from the modern world. The buildings are inspired by the buildings in some Persian miniatures I admire. You can only get there by boat….

Today, according to official figures more than 2 million men, women and children in this world are displaced having had to flee their homes and countries through violent conflicts or manmade or natural disasters. To visualize and say something about the desperate situation families end up in I thought of Eliza’s heroic crossing to freedom in the book 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' by H. Beecher-Stowe and tried to avoid the blunt 'blood & gore' images.

Inspired by a quotation of Henry David Thoreau: 'Time is but a stream I go a-fishing in'. He was in his own words: 'A mystic, a trancendentalist and a natural philosopher to boot'.

Inspired by the heroic actions of 'Eco Warriors' everywhere.

Available as a Limited Edition Print in an edition of 100 printed on A2 acid free rag paper at the same size as the original painting, by Abacus Printers. It costs £50. incl P&P.