This month’s exhibition at the Torch Theatre’s Joanna Field Gallery is called Rear View Mirror - a collection of paintings by Narberth artist Mark Crockett, reflecting on the last few years since he became ill in 2021.

The pieces often try to capture the first and last moments of light in the day, a point when things are simultaneously fading away and just beginning.

Since leaving art college in the late ’80s, Mark has travelled and worked all over the world, living in converted vintage buses, caravans and various building sites. He has spent most of the last 30 years in the mountains of central Portugal restoring abandoned stone houses.

“A few years ago, I got sick. I contracted an autoimmune disease that means at times I can’t even walk. I struggled with this massive change, not being able to work or surf anymore and for a long time I was in a really dark place. I don’t know why but one day I picked up a paint brush and the paintings started to fall out,” said Mark who now lives with his Canadian wife in an old Post Office building that they are currently restoring.

“I've always drawn and painted since I can remember. I come from a family of creatives: my dad is a sculptor and painter, my brother is a digital artist, and now my daughter has just completed a foundation at UAL.”

Mark’s latest piece, ‘Armistice Day´ shows a single red poppy growing on the far side of a river, reflecting the losses that we all face in our lives.

You can find more of Mark’s work on instagram @papersurfer or at www.papersurfer.com.

The exhibition can be seen throughout April during Box Office opening times. Visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call 01646 695267 for further details.