About SJ Hurn, Artist

Where Surface Becomes Story

My interesting previous roles as firstly as an embalmer then a prison officer have had a profound influence on my work especially exploring the themes of absence, memory, uncomfortable spaces, damaged beauty and the traces that people leave behind.
Following a serious car accident whilst a prison officer that left me with life changing injuries, I moved to Scotland where I picked up my brushes once again after many years.

Through layers of collage, paint and excavation, I create vessels, chairs and mysterious interiors that speak of memory, damage, repair and resilience.

Inspired by antique ceramics, aged interiors and weathered surfaces, each painting reveals traces of what came before. Fragments emerge, disappear and reappear, creating objects and images that feel both familiar and fragile.
The vessels, chairs and interiors become a metaphor for the things and people we love preserve and lose.

Also following a magical encounter with a wild hare recently, my work has started to include them and their other worldly spirit I feel they have. Other animals, both domestic and wild, appear in some of my interiors telling of their contact with those that we have lost. I am inspired by the mystery in an animals eyes, I feel they always have so much to tell us.

Instagram: @sjhurnart

My pieces are all original, and are available for purchase.