Framed: 46 x 62 x 4 1/2 inches
Marked: Anybody's Rocking Horse 2007 (verso)
artist
Bray briefly studied at Hull College of Art in 1977, where he explored graphic design, silkscreen printing, and oil painting. In 1991, he settled in Lambertville, New Jersey, establishing both his residence and studio in the historic Spoke Works building, where he also operated an import business. From 1994 to 2002, this space functioned as an alternative exhibition venue, hosting numerous shows and culminating in New Eclectic—a collective of ten artists united by a shared aesthetic sensibility. The group’s final exhibitions took place in 2004 at MCS Gallery in Easton, Pennsylvania, and at West Chester University. That same year, Bray sold his business to devote himself fully to painting.
Bray's artistic practice, influenced by the New York School, attracted the attention of established galleries. He was represented by Cheryl Hazan Gallery in New York, as well as several New Jersey galleries. In 2011, his work was featured in a group exhibition at Spanierman Gallery in New York, which included three of his large-scale paintings.
Born in Kingston upon Hull, England, Bray immigrated to the United States in 1984 and became a U.S. citizen in 2005. He currently lives and works in the Delaware Valley, dividing his time between Bucks and Hunterdon counties.
Description
Anybody’s Rocking Horse exemplifies Bray’s dynamic approach to abstraction. Despite its restrained palette of muted tones, the painting exudes a remarkable intensity. The composition is defined by jagged edges and bold, calligraphic lines, which seamlessly blend with softer, feathered hues. Occasional bursts of vivid color and spontaneous splatters of thick pigment punctuate the piece, adding both energy and contrast. Through this careful balance, Bray creates a sense of depth and movement, imbuing the work with a vibrant, harmonious vitality.