A Sketchbook from the mind of Lord Sonic

Rotate presents ‘A Sketchbook from the mind of Lord Sonic’, a poignant and intimate new body of work by artist Ian Parmiter, featuring never-before-seen sketches from his personal sketchbook created during an unexpected hospital stay at the beginning of 2024.

These drawings, raw and reflective, offer a rare glimpse into Parmiter's emotional and mental landscape as he navigated a time of uncertainty and physical challenge. The sketches stand as a testament to his resilience, offering a visual narrative of both his inner turmoil and moments of quiet reflection during recovery. Known for his vibrant use of colour, dynamic brushwork, and bold storytelling, Parmiter’s sketches in this series are infused with his distinctive energy, even in the face of adversity.

Ian Parmiter, Self Portrait at Home / Vesuvius of Energy, 2024

Parmiter’s work is often defined by his quick, expressive gestures—marks that move with a sense of urgency and vitality. In these new pieces, his use of colour becomes a language in itself, communicating emotion and intensity in a way that words cannot, while his fluid, energetic gestures capture both the tension and the release he felt as he processed his journey. Each drawing tells a story not just through its composition, but through the immediacy of the artist’s hand, as he captures fleeting moments of thought, struggle, and recovery.

The sketches photographed by Portsmouth-based photographer Matt Sills, capture the texture and rawness of Parmiter’s work. Sills, whose own practice often centres on intimate storytelling through portraiture, brings a deep sensitivity to his images of Parmiter’s sketchbooks. The photographs highlight the physicality of the work, close-ups of textured paper, vibrant strokes of colour, and the rhythm of Parmiter’s gestures, offering a fresh perspective on Parmiter’s creative process.

Matt Sills’ current exhibition at the D-Day Story Museum, features evocative portraits of Second World War veterans. ’The lucky ones grow old’ is an exhibition of portraits featuring Normandy veterans and the personal stories behind them. There is free admission to the exhibition which will run until 18 January 2025.

The full body of Ian Parmiter’s sketchbook work is displayed on the CourtX digital display. Visitors can follow Ian’s journey to recovery page by page, experiencing the transformation in his artwork as it evolves throughout his time in the hospital. The digital display allows for a deeper exploration of the details, each sketch, each brushstroke, each subtle change in colour, capturing the stages of Parmiter's recovery.

This exhibition invites viewers to explore not only the resilience and creativity of Ian Parmiter but also the artistry of Matt Sills’ photographs, capturing both the physical texture and emotional depth of Parmiter’s sketches. It is a celebration of the power of art to document, heal, and transform through moments of adversity. As you journey through this exhibition, you’ll not only witness the resilience of an artist confronting personal challenges, but also the rich storytelling and emotional depth that defines Ian Parmiter’s work.

This series is a celebration of the transformative power of art, where even in moments of vulnerability, vibrant colour, quick gestures, and bold narratives emerge as symbols of healing and strength.

The Artwork is available for sale and can be purchased by contacting the Artist directly via Instagram or by reaching out to CourtX for the Artist’s contact information.