Meet Salix Homes's very own artist in residence
Salford social housing tenant is a highrise master of canvas
ARTISTS come from all walks of life and can be found in the unlikeliest of places; actually, if you stop to think about it, they're not unlikely at all.
Given the stigma so-often attached to residents who live in the tenure, social tenants are doubtless one of those groups where artistic endeavour raises an eyebrow: that's unexpected.
It isn't; nor should it be, but sadly we don't live in that kind of society any more. A lot of effort has been put in over the years to paint social housing tenants in a poor light.
But that's enough of that; we don't want to divert on a tangent that does 64-year-old Philip Horrocks any kind of disservice. He is, after all, the star of this story.
Horrocks is an artist; he paints his own light. Indeed, you might say he is the master of all he surveys. He just happens to be a tenant with Salford housing association, Salix Homes.
The artist has lived and worked in Salford all his life. For nearly 30 years he has resided in Blackfriar Court located in the city's Trinity district; just a “stone's throw” from neighbouring Manchester city centre.
Inevitably, both cities have often proved a muse; his work intricately picks slices of life from the bustling streets he encounters.
“Oh, I love it here,” he said. “Salix Homes have been great, they look after the place and I feel safe here. I love Salford, it’s a friendly, witty and warm place to live, it’s great being so close to such a good arts scene.”
Picture him, then, at work in the small studio he put together in his second floor flat; his hand darts to and fro across a canvas, delicate lines of colour added to his latest creative vision. Around him, the trappings of the artful life. Paints, art materials, canvases, paintings adorning the walls; the 'clutter' of a fruitful imagination.
Horrocks doesn't just paint urban homages to Manchester; alongside his incredible street scenes, his work also depicts everything from majestic African animals to lifelike renaissance portraits. Anything, indeed that captivates his mind's eye.
It's happenstance, surely, that Salix itself noticed this artist quietly working in their midst; making mention of Horrock's creative exploits brings him to the attention of we who live beyond the horizons of Manchester's art scene.
Nicola Mcatamney, one of the housing association's property safety officers, stumbled across his work during a routine visit to the tower block – and confesses she was 'blown away' by his work.
“I couldn't believe what I was seeing – everywhere you look are these amazing pieces of art – it’s like a gallery in his own home,” she said.
"It’s hard to believe that a small apartment in a Salford tower block is home to some of the most extraordinary artistic masterpieces I've ever seen. Philip has an incredible talent, and his work deserves to be seen by the wider public.”
Horrocks says he has painted ever since he was three years old; drawing bunnies in nursery are some of his earliest memories. In later life, he went on to complete a fine arts degree. Since then, he has spent his life painting, drawing and etching all kinds of images.
The artists has several piece on the go, currently, and – perhaps unsurprisingly – admits he would love to have an exhibition of his works, so the public can share his enthusiasm for capturing images in lifelike detail.
“It would be great for others to see my paintings,” he added. “I think a lot of people enjoy art in whatever form. I would just like to push my work as far as I can and let the good folk of Salford and Manchester see them.”
All art is local, we could say, and reaches out to share a connection. Passion and infectious enthusiasm are all part of the territory; along with talent and ability. Horrocks clearly has those traits in spades.
Asked if he would ever consider appearing on any TV shows featuring portrait artists, he apparently responded, with a smile glinting in his eyes: “Never say never.”
Art is where you make it; we'll never know where that is until we look.
MC
First published on Mark Cantrell, Author.