Proud owner of a 'Rob and Nick Carter'

Years ago, I bought a photograph from a-then budding new artist called Rob Carter. (X-ray seahorse). Specialising in 'painting with light', since then, Rob and his wife Nick have become quite famous artists - collected by all sorts of folks (Elton John; Matthew Williamson etc) ... and now us!

I saw one of R&N's spiral light artworks in a Cork Street gallery about 4 years ago and hankered after one ever since -- but they were well out of my price range. Sadly thanks to the recession and the weak pound, they're a bit more affordable these days.

After a bit of negotiation (thanks to Asia for those newly acquired skills), I managed to acquire one -- 'Colour Changing Spiral' (2005)' -- flown in via TNT from the UK, it arrived this week in a HUGE packing crate .... weighing 750kg, the poor delivery guy had to single handedly lift (drag!) it up the 6 flights of stairs (60 steps) to our apartment. Charged us an extra $200 (£18) for that! Well-earned in my book -- took him 35 mins!

The boys enjoyed killing the oceans of bubble wrap and were not really interested in the picture!

Rob and Nick Carter work together to create what they describe as ‘images without cameras and paintings without brushes’, their stunning abstract images result from their method of working, the image is gradually created in complete darkness by applying increments of light directly to sensitised paper. Each artwork is the result of hours of painstaking labour and is entirely unique. The vibrant, high gloss colours and pop sensibility provoke an immediate visual response from the viewer - a roller coaster ride for the eye and perception.

Private collectors include Elton John, David and Victoria Beckham, Simon Fuller, Philip Treacy and Mathew Williamson, and their work is in the corporate collections of many large companies including The Virgin Group, Sainsbury’s PLC, Absolut Vodka and Reuters.

During negotiations with the gallery, I took a punt at writing to the artists about the picture and the longevity of the cibachrome it's printed on. To my surprise (and delight), Rob wrote back to me ... said he remembered the image and it was a good one and that it should last for a long time. He also invited me to visit their studio in Acton when we're next back in the UK. Finally, he sent me a copy of his book: 'Travelling Still'. What a great guy!

So, next time I get some spare cash, I'll fork out on 'Hong Kong II' in the Travelling Still series.

M

Seahorse image: Getty