Ra Pyramid

Acrylic on canvas

One of my service-cover images from the Bridgwater Circle series of paintings photo. Captured while walking up to the canal bridge, Old Taunton Rd, Bridgwater, Somerset. A black circular plastic cover has been put over the corner fixings on these service covers. A rectangular metal plate set into the pavement with texture, no doubt to ensure a non-slip surface.

The photo captured the nuanced shadows created by its safety pattern. As I worked on bringing out its colours, the dull grey turned to the colour of sand and as I turned it to admire the colours reflecting the sky above in the plastic screw cover, it reminded me of the pyramids and the sun god Ra. The pattern looked a little like ancient cuneiform script, and the tarmac background a starry sky. It is fantastic what can be found under our feet.

I hope that service cover designers and workmen who fit these or need them for access during their working day like my interpretation. Also, that everyone else may pause for thought about the downtrodden items all so familiar in our lives.

Original photograph taken 11 ‎March ‎2019, ‏‎17:22:48