Jenson Button in the non-sponsored 2007 RA107 Honda. The only sponsor on there being the one the FIA insist on. Working with MyEarthDreams.com it had a picture of the world on it and fans names. I donated and gave up ironing, as it harms the environment. I was lucky enough to visit the Honda factory that year. No Jenson Button in sight though! Spotting my name was fun and they really were all on there. The campaign won Honda an award.
Let’s go back three years to 2007. I was holding down a full-time job in finance – you know the usual 70 hour weeks, travelling to the US and Europe, weekly commutes, never free of the buzzing of the Blackberry, and holidays (and even funerals) interrupted by phone and conference calls. Several things happened that were disappointing at the time, but were a great kick up the backside. Time to move on and follow some of those dreams from twenty years earlier.
So a quick review of life and a reminder of the things that made me smile: fast cars, fast bikes, travel, photography and creating drawings and paintings. I’ve never driven in anger myself as I don’t have the urge, but I do love watching others. It’s fascinating to watch the driving or riding styles. Jenson Button is a calm and smooth pedal operator compared to some others in the paddock. His father is also a character adding to the entertainment in the sport.
Moving on
I spent my last year working with a goal to be employed in motorsport at the end of it all. I started to attend some of the Grand Prix in Europe. Networking and coaching led me to some very supportive and well-connected contacts who became good friends. Work during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, in Milton Keynes and more far-flung places, led to a PR and photography role in 2009 with a UK race team.
At the end of the 2009 season with confidence boosted I set my goals for painting and exhibiting. Here we are! So my works will be a reflection of those journeys and other experiences as I have them in the years to come. I hope they unlock excitement in you too.
Earth Dreams; Jenson Button
Painted in response to a couple of outings to F1 in 2007. First I tried out a pastel image which is the thumbnail photo. I then grabbed a 30.5 cm square deep canvas. In Barcelona the RA107 seemed to be a blur of green, blue and purple as it took on the curves. A great track to get some clear shots. The painting reflects the happiness I was feeling at the time. An explosion of colour as the acrylic was applied with brushes in fast drying layers.
