Rear View Mirror Exhibition by Artist Mark Crockett

This April, the Joanna Field Gallery at the Torch Theatre will be home to an exhibition called Rear View Mirror by artist Mark Crockett from Narberth, Pembrokeshire. It is a collection of paintings reflecting on the last few years since he became ill in 2021. The pieces often try to capture the first and last moments of light in the day, a point when things are simultaneously fading away and just beginning.

Since leaving art college in the late ´80s  Mark has travelled and worked all over the world, living in converted vintage buses, caravans and various building sites. He has spent most of the last 30 years in the mountains of central Portugal restoring abandoned stone houses.

"After college I put down my paint brushes following a loud and pointless argument with my tutor and didn’t pick them up again for 35 years. During that time, I picked hops, played records in clubs, and breathed fire over dancing crowds from the top of bass bins. I learned to surf, build houses and I rediscovered photography (I hadn’t fought with my photography tutor). A few summers of being a wedding photographer in Portugal took me to some pretty amazing places with some incredible people.”

“A few years ago I got sick. I contracted an autoimmune disease that means at times I can’t even walk. I struggled with this massive change, not being able to work or surf anymore and for a long time I was in a really dark place. I don’t know why but one day I picked up a paint brush and the paintings started to fall out,” continued Mark who now lives with his Canadian wife in an old Post Office building that they are currently restoring.

“I had no real intention of showing or selling any of my work. That’s not why I’ve been painting again,” he explained.

“I've always drawn and painted since I can remember. I come from a family of creatives: my Dad is a sculptor and painter, my brother is a digital artist, and now my daughter has just completed a foundation at UAL. Three generations of artists…”

He added: “It’s the first time I’ve had a solo exhibition and I’m pretty nervous but also excited as it will be nice to see all my recent work in one space.”

Mark’s paintings ask questions or suggest stories often inviting the viewer to consider another perspective. His latest piece, ‘Armistice Day´ shows a single red poppy growing on the far side of a river reflecting the losses that we all face in our lives.

You can find more of Mark’s work on instagram @papersurfer or at www.papersurfer.com

All images © papersurfer studio 2025

The Rear View Mirror exhibition by Mark Crockett can be seen at the Joanna Field Gallery throughout April during Box Office opening times. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.