The Man Who Found God

April 2022

The Man Who Found God exhibition sees Gary Bunt’s man and dog telling a story via 51 paintings and poems.


Below is the foreword from the hardback book published.

There is a fundamental challenge facing any artist who wishes to convey a religious dimension to life. I believe Gary Bunt addresses that challenge in a fresh and fascinating way. There is something different about his work which draws and affects people deeply. But first we need to understand the nature of the challenge he faces.

 

All religions claim there is more to life than we can touch and feel; that there is another reality both beyond and deep within things. This reality is not just one thing amongst others, not an item in the world of items. It is difficult enough to convey this reality in words, which are always as misleading as they are true. How much more difficult it is to do so in lines and colours? For many Christians, especially those who belong to one of the Orthodox churches, the most successful way of meeting the challenge has been in icons. These seek to convey something numinous in a non-literalistic way, and lead the viewer into prayer. Something of that iconic tradition was still present in Western art in the work of artists like Duccio and Giotto. But with them and other artists of the early Renaissance there developed new techniques of perspective making it possible to depict tangible reality more as the eye sees it. Together with this, as for example in the work of Mantegna, there developed the desire to depict historical scenes as they were. The result has been the whole highly skilled tradition of Western art. But was something lost on the way? Does that art succeed in conveying, not just an imagined life of Jesus for example, but that other dimension of life? For many people, if it did once, it no longer does so.

 

Paradoxically it was with the birth of Modernism about 1913 that new possibilities for religious art opened up. For modernism represented a radical break with literalism and tried to convey something more than what the eye sees. It is no accident that very many of those modernists were deeply religious people, albeit of an unorthodox kind, though some, like Rouault, were profoundly Christian in their work. There is however another way of trying to convey that religious dimension. It can be seen for example in the work of Albert Herbert (1925-2008). Herbert originally painted in the style of American abstractionism, but learnt to see and draw again as a child. Jesus said “Unless you become like little children…” Gary Bunt similarly has learnt to see life with a sense of wonder and simplicity. But he does so in a highly skilled manner combining verse, picture and text, each re-enforcing the other to convey something more going on than the eye can see.

He manages this effect through the complex interaction of five relationships. The dog and his friend the man ; the dog and the reader; the man and the object of his search; the relationship of the landscape to dog, man and viewer; the relationship of the text to both story, picture and reader. In each scene that network of relationships can be seen at work, suffusing the whole and conveying a sense of something important going on. The landscapes in Gary’s paintings are particularly arresting and vibrant, creating a mood in which the whole is set. These alone often manage to convey that mysterious other beyond and within what is seen, whether the scene is one of the countryside or the sea.

 

The way the man and his dog are depicted in relationship to the landscape is also beautifully judged in reflecting a particular mood. At the same time the relationship of the dog to the man is also shown in all its charming and affecting variety. Just look at the first three paintings, for example, and note the different pose of the dog in each one. These are not just illustrations, they convey a relationship; what is going on in two minds and the interplay between them. This is a work for mature adults which children will also enjoy. It is also a work for children which will kindle again in adults that sense of wonder which they had once, and lost awhile; what T.S. Eliot once called “A condition of complete simplicity.”

 

Professor the Rt Revd Lord Harries, FRSL is a member of the House of Lords, a former Bishop of Oxford and an author. His books include ‘The Image of Christ in Modern Art’ and ‘Seeing God in Art: The Christian Faith in 30 images’.

10 x 12 inches

● Sold


The older he’s grown he seems more alone
There’s a sadness deep in his eyes
But he knows he’s got me, 
A faithful friend I shall be 
forever I’ll walk by his side

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


Another day comes to an end

with our worries and our cares

we make our way up the wooden hill

for it's time to say our prayers.

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


We got into bed, nothing was said 
Something is on his mind 
Thoughts of Heaven Matthew 7 verse 7 
Seek and ye shall find 
Now I'm just a dog but I know about god 
That's who the old chap needs 
He'd be filled with joy like he was as a boy 
When he played and climbed in the trees 
My Master sighed, closed his eyes 
And then he started to pray 
“I know you are there but I'm not quite 
Sure where I lost you along the way”

10 x 12 inches

● Sold


Today his eyes have been opened
he knew what must be done
it was time to find the Father
the Spirit and the Son
“my old furry friend I’ve had a thought
I was wondering where god could be
after 7 days of creation
did he go to live down by the sea?”
With map in hand our route was planned
looks like we’re off to the coast
but before we go my paw I will show
I might get some marmalade on toast

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


It’s a beautiful day, we’re on our way 
we have set off on our quest
his spirit was strong as we poodled along
the two of us feeling blessed

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


First stop is the harbour
he asked some fishermen unloading cod
“excuse me whilst out at sea
did any of you see God?”
“afraid not” said the captain
“no sign of him out there
but I’m sure he spoke to me last night
when I said my evening prayer”

15 x 18 inches

● Sold


We’ve had a ride on the dodgems
we strolled along the pier
for lunch we’re having fish
and chips
he didn’t find God here

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


It’s been a very busy day
time to get some sleep
tonight we’ll stay in this little hut
that sits upon the beach 

40 x 48 inches

● Sold


“Time to move on, our search here is done
it looks like we’re in for a storm
maybe God’s gone away for a weekend
stay somewhere warmer like Benidorm”

16 x 20 inches

● Sold


Journeying on, the rain has gone
full of the joys of spring
no more thunder but I couldn’t help wonder
just what today may bring
the road was long and winding I nodded off to sleep
my master woke me from a dream
I’d been busy counting sheep
“would you look at that late last night
to the good Lord did I pray God has given me a sign
the truth the life this way” 

15 x 18 inches

● Sold


After driving along for many miles
we’ve stopped for a break at a pub
he’s having a cider and being the provider
ordered us some grub
“has anyone seen the father
the one almighty king”
“if you drink enough of that scrumpy
you’ll see all kinds of things”
the men at the bar weren’t any help
they mocked and laughed at him
“in God don’t trust, stay here with us
and live a life of sin”
then, words from the man in
the corner “have faith, stay strong, believe”
my Master put my food in a doggie bag
it was clearly time to leave

16 x 20 inches

● Sold


“Let’s head off to the countryside
perhaps that’s where God went”
It’s getting late so the search must wait
time to pitch our tent.
When we’d had our supper
my Master knelt and prayed
now we’re watching the setting sun
the one the Father made

10 x 12 inches

● Sold


I haven’t had much sleep at all
he snored right through the night
to top it all although they’re small
there’s bugs that bloomin’ bite

15 x 18 inches

● Sold


I’ve got a bone for breakfast
a thing of doggie dreams
the old chaps not the best of cooks
his speciality is warm baked beans

26 x 32 inches

● Sold


My Master looked in the woods
where god made all the trees
each little flower that opens
the butterflies and bees
the birds so bright and beautiful
he made their tiny wings
“it’s pretty clear that he’s been here
the Creator of all things” 

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


He’s found a bird’s nest in the hedge,
above a robin sings
telling my Master where our Father lives
but it isn’t sinking in
we animals great and small, you see
are always close to God
I never question where or why
I’m just a happy dog

16 x 20 inches

● Sold


He’s getting very tired
we’ve walked for many miles
through the woods across the fields
over wooden stiles
“tomorrow is another day my friend
I fear I need to rest
for I don’t seem any closer
and I’m really trying my best”

15 x 18 inches

● Sold


He took a look in his special book
his faith is renewed again
“let’s move on I must stay strong
he might be down Church Lane” 

16 x 20 inches

● Sold


We’ve stopped outside this B & B
there’s a woman with blue rinsed hair
she’s hanging out her washing
whilst the weather is still fair
“excuse me my dear I’m asking around here
have you seen the man from
above I’ve gone astray so daily I pray
that I can find his love”
“he often comes to visit me
although when, I can’t really say
I’ve seen the milkman and the postman
but I haven’t seen God today”

24 x 29 inches

● Sold


As we ambled down the road
I’m greeted by a mate
a dachsund named Dale wagging his tail
behind a nice red gate
“it looks like you’re rather busy
can you possibly spare some time?
I’m searching for the man upstairs
have you happened to see any sign?”
“I know he must be busy
because it’s near the end of spring
and he has to change the seasons
as summer’s coming in”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


He’s bought some lunch in the village stores
I must say, I’m rather pleased
my Master is sharing his sandwich
and I’m partial to a bit of cheese
“it’s no good me looking in the church
it will be a waste of time
I think he only goes on Sundays
when they serve the bread and wine”

15 x 18 inches

● Sold


I’m feeling sorry for my Master
sitting here beneath the moon
he’s quite upset he hasn’t found God yet
I hope he finds him soon
“I know he is around so I must not get down
tomorrow the skies will be blue
after a good night’s sleep,
I’ll be back on my feet
and we’ll head for pastures new”

18 x 22 inches

● Sold


We’re in for a treat, warm paws, warm feet
in a farmhouse B&B
a room with a view just right for two
a bed for my Master and me
“this place gives me hope, I feel God is close
for he made the animals that live on the farm
I’ve got a hunch so after lunch
we’ll go down and take a look in the barn”

40 x 48 inches

● Sold


As we lay in the hay to God he did pray
through Christ born under a star
“I know you are there please answer this prayer
and tell me where you are”

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


Walking through the orchard
the two of us at peace
but my Master had to climb the tree
because I’m very scared of the geese

16 x 20 inches

● Sold


We’re heading to a field that’s far away
so we borrowed the Farmer’s jeep
the old boy thinks that God could be there
looking after his flock of sheep

32 x 40 inches

● Sold


“Your face it looks familiar
you look like someone I’ve met before
once when I was very ill
a man gave me a cure
I’m sure his name was Jesus
he made me happy when I was sad
I should have stayed in touch with him
because I’m trying to find his dad”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


“Excuse me Farmer Jones
have you got a minute to spare
I’ve been looking for God all over the place
I can’t find him anywhere”
“my mam once told me boyo 
he’s with you when you’re born
I thought I saw him one summertime 
whilst harvesting the corn
I remember in Wales when I was a lad
to the Chapel we had been
on the way home my dad told me
God made the valleys green”
“thanks for your time he might still be there
so we best be on our way
it’s been very nice to meet you and your wife
thank you for our stay”

18 x 22 inches

● Sold


There’s a welcome on this hillside
as far as the eye can see
God created this for us
I think it was on day three

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


Voices rejoice in the chapel
bread of heaven fills the air
my Master’s planning where to go next
he didn’t find him there
“I think I’m too late
God had to vacate
he probably has things to do
we are far from home
but I’m never alone
all the time that I’ve got you”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


We’ve arrived in God’s green country
across the Irish sea
my Master’s got a theory
I’m not one to disagree
“I once met a man from Ireland
who told me god made Guinness beer
so I’ll try a few pints and ask around
to see if he’s been here”

18 x 22 inches

● Sold


My Master’s had too much of the black stuff

Now he’s in my care

Singing a song about Danny Boy

A little worse for wear

He never found God so with a donkey we plod

Along the lane we roam

Not fit to row to the port we go

To catch the ferry home

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


This morning we got back from Ireland
picked up the car in Wales
now here we are in Yorkshire
up and down the dales
“I can see that God has been here
by the beauty that’s all around
but why can I not find him
when I know he can be found?”

26 x 32 inches

● Sold


“We’ll find a place in the village to stay
my bible I need to read
maybe I can find some clues
and see where that may lead”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


“Last night I read a parable
about five loaves of bread and two fish
this story got me thinking
I suddenly thought of this
the reason I can’t find him
of this I have no doubt
Jesus and his Father
are in Scotland catching trout”

29 x 36 inches

● Sold


Here we are, travelled oh so far
put many miles on the clock
the door is there to be opened
if only he would knock
“tonight, I may have a dram or two
we’ll spend the night at this croft
tomorrow we’ll take the fishing rod
and head down to the loch”

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


“Your face it looks familiar
I’m sure that we have met
have you seen the Heavenly
Father?
I’ve still not found him yet”
“have faith my friend, you are close to God
of that you must not doubt
cast your line on the other side
if you want to catch a trout

18 x 22 inches

● Sold


“Why is it I keep failing?
I don’t know what to do
perhaps it’s time to head back south
I need to start anew”
my Master’s disappointed
he’s feeling rather low
autumn leaves are falling
it’s time for us to go 

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


Last night we stayed here by the sea
in a cottage with views of the bay
the season’s tides are turning
winter’s on it’s way

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


Homeward bound, the two of us
we’ve stopped along the way
upon this Holy Island
my Master wished to pray
“dear God, I’m at your mercy
dear God grant me your grace
there’s something that’s
been bothering me
no-one’s seen your face
how will I know if I’ve found you
what am I to do
if I don’t know what you look like
how will I come to you?”

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


A windy day, the sky is grey
overcast and dark
If this rain doesn’t stop, the car we best swap
and trade it for an ark
my master should be more like Noah
putting all of his faith in God
what a relief he had belief
that saved mankind and dogs

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


Not far to go, rain’s turned to snow
soon we’ll be back home
I’m still by his side, I know he can’t hide
feeling lost and still alone 

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


I love our house, nobody else
just the old boy and me
he’s put the decorations up
the angel’s on top of the tree
“we’ll go to church tomorrow
celebrate Christmas eve
I’m sure one day I’ll find him
deep down I still believe.
Let him I care, say my prayers
in the name of the king of kings
he knows that I’m old and I feel the cold
I will look again in spring”

40 x 48 inches

● Sold


It was such a lovely service
everyone singing away
unto us a child is born
to the good lord we did pray
through the snow the two of us go
heading back to our nice warm home
I’m getting quite excited 
because under the tree I saw a bone
“we’ll settle down for winter
then when the daffodils come out
I’ll make a fresh start,
once again depart
and see if God’s about”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


“I’ve made a big mistake old friend
I feel a bit of a fool
I knew I should have listened
when I went to Sunday school
last night I was reading the Gospel
the Gospel according to John
then it came to me so plain to see
where I’ve been going wrong
it’s that man with the beard I need to find
I think he’s the Father’s son 
who was crucified upon a cross
for the sins of everyone

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


“I knew I recognised your face
you are the son of God
I’ve come to ask for your forgiveness
and perhaps you could bless my dog
lead me from temptation
wash me of my sins
bless me with your Spirit
and the peace that God’s grace brings”

20 x 24 inches

● Sold


“All these miles I’ve driven 
up and down this land
here I am with you dear lord
now I understand.
God’s been with me all along
right from the very start
God is love the kingdom is within
for God lives in my heart”

13 x 16 inches

● Sold


“We’re so happy you are coming home with us
and you’ve agreed to stay
now that I have found you
please don’t ever go away
I will try so hard in all I do
the best that I can be
if I fall along the way
I know you’ll carry me” 

10 x 12 inches

● Sold


“What a wonderful evening
bread and a glass of wine
a toast to your Father the gardener
and you the one true vine
sitting here with the light of life
my fire’s burning bright
I’m not so keen on this cabernet
could you turn it in to white?”

10 x 12 inches

● Sold


I’m so happy for my Master
he’s not lonely anymore
so glad he had the courage
to knock upon Christ’s door
now that he has found the way.
The Lord his soul shall keep
so from the man who found god
and a tired old dog, 
goodnight, it’s time to sleep

6 x 6 inches

● Not for sale


Behold I show 
You a mystery 
We shall not all sleep 
But we shall be changed 
In the twinkling of an eye zzzzzzzz

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