The Painted Word

The Veritasse Friends Newsletter has information on a new book entitled, The Painted Word - Paintings by John Reilly:

"Many people will be familiar with the paintings of John Reilly through exhibitions in cathedrals and churches, art centres and galleries throughout the south of England.

His subtle and jewel-like colours and his use of geometric patterning are immediately recognisable and captivating. Figures appear to be part of the pattern of the painting, yet stand out from it with grace and eloquence. His works, painted in oils, depict a modern take on the timeless stories of the Old and New Testaments. The paintings give the Bible themes a new relevance for today's world.

The works reproduced in the book are A4 size and in full colour. They are accompanied by the Bible passages that inspired them.

The book is published by Cross Publishing at £19.95 and is available in most Isle of Wight book shops or directly from John Reilly. Those wishing to have the book sent to them will pay an additional £2 in postage, for UK addresses. For further details, email:
jilljohnreilly@uwclub.net."


I first came across Reilly's work many years ago while on holiday in the Isle of Wight when I saw some prints of his paintings and a book of his wife Jill's poetry in a local shop. I was so impressed with his work that I found where he lived and went to visit on spec. He was kind enough to welcome me and show me some of his works from that period.

What I loved about his work then and still love now is his unitive vision. Using lessons, it seems to me, learnt from Orphism and Rayonism he constructs patterns of rippling rays emanating from a central source of light. Within this structure he sets objects and figures composed of abstract shapes and colours that are indicative of their spiritual qualities. So, for example, a rock-like formation, an animal, a human figure and a plant shape can all be held together, underpinned, in eternal circulation by the central point, which may be seen both as a pictorial device structuring a work of beauty and as symbolic of God.

In Universal Power - The Fourth Day of Creation (one of the prints I initially purchased) he shows us a snapshot of creation, of the first reconciliation of shape and form. As abstract shapes spiral out from the central point they again coalesce into those same fundamental, elemental shapes of bird, plant and human life.

Reilly has written of his work:

"My paintings are not concerned with the surface appearance of people or things but try to express something of the fundamental spiritual reality behind this surface appearance. I try to express in visible form the oneness and unity of this invisible power, binding all things into one whole."

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Evan Dando - Frying Pan.