Heart of the North

“In my earlier work you rarely see bridges – I just didn’t draw them. Then suddenly they were there, in industrial scenes with chimney stacks and smoke. Maybe the bridge symbolizes finding ways around the obstacles, over the obstacles, getting into new environments, meeting new challenges. Or maybe just moving forward, going from one place to the next. I think that’s part of what I’m doing in my life.” – Mackenzie Thorpe

In this Mackenzie Thorpe limited edition print for sale, several ghostly figures walk towards a dusty city in the distance. The moon shines brightly above and the figures are framed by a blue bridge, high in the sky. This bridge may be inspired by the Tees Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough where Thorpe spent his childhood. In the center of the image a huge heart shaped flower grows from the ground.

It appears that the figures are walking towards the city, either beginning a hard day’s work before the sun comes up or ending the day as the moon bathes them in light. The image has a feeling of isolation as the figures are all walking alone, however, there is still a sense of community as they head towards the same end goal. The colors are generally muted in this piece, except for the huge, bright red heart in the middle. Although the figures may be struggling, they are still able to provide for their families. They continue on to fulfill their duties, much like Thorpe continued to work until he was able to attend an art college and pursue his passion. He is illustrating that hard work and labor will eventually pay off in the form of love, so it’s important to maintain hope.

Certain themes reappear in Thorpe’s work throughout his oeuvre. This image includes several of these themes: heart shaped flowers, humble factory workers, and bridges. This image is similar to the piece that Thorpe created to celebrate her majesty’s jubilee. It was a privilege for an artist with such humble beginnings to be commissioned for this project as his painting now hangs alongside Van Gogh and Turner in the Royal Collection. When Thorpe met the Queen he told her about unemployment near his home in the northeast and how his drawings reflect the town that he grew up in.

This iconic Mackenzie Thorpe artwork is available for sale at Marcus Ashley Gallery along with works by over 40+ of the most famous artists of our time. Located in Lake Tahoe, Marcus Ashley Gallery is recognized for its outstanding service, which includes custom framing, private home shows for clients within 60 miles and worldwide shipping.