Pastel artwork depicting a heavy-duty metal security ring and chain embedded in a London street, partially torn from the tarmac and surrounded by grit, debris and cigarette ends, with sharply rendered metal textures, abrasion and grime contrasted against a softly blurred urban background to create depth and focus.
Pastel artwork depicting a heavy-duty metal security ring and chain embedded in a London street, partially torn from the tarmac and surrounded by grit, debris and cigarette ends, with sharply rendered metal textures, abrasion and grime contrasted against a softly blurred urban background to create depth and focus.
Pastel artwork depicting a heavy-duty metal security ring and chain embedded in a London street, partially torn from the tarmac and surrounded by grit, debris and cigarette ends, with sharply rendered metal textures, abrasion and grime contrasted against a softly blurred urban background to create depth and focus.
Pastel artwork depicting a heavy-duty metal security ring and chain embedded in a London street, partially torn from the tarmac and surrounded by grit, debris and cigarette ends, with sharply rendered metal textures, abrasion and grime contrasted against a softly blurred urban background to create depth and focus.
Ray West

ROAD TO INSECURITY (Original)

In Road to Insecurity, Ray West turns his attention to a small but telling detail of London street life. The image is drawn from a motorcycle bay on Berwick Street, where heavy-duty security rings are embedded into the road surface for riders to chain their bikes. 

One such ring, scarred and partially torn from the ground, becomes the quiet focal point of the composition. Rendered with striking realism, the metal surface shows abrasion, grime and wear, while discarded debris and textured tarmac anchor the scene in everyday use.

Ray deliberately contrasts the sharp, tactile foreground with a softly blurred background, creating depth and focus while reinforcing a sense of vulnerability within an object designed for protection. The work observes an overlooked fragment of the city, revealing tension and fragility within its utilitarian forms.

Material: Painted using Carbothello, Derwent and Faber-Castell pastel pencils, Unison and Rembrandt soft pastels, on light grey Pastelmat board.
Size (Artwork): 37 x 37 cm
Size (Framed): Professionally framed (49 x 49 x 4 cm) with mount behind glass.
Created: June 2025

OPTION: Print available as Limited Edition of 55: £175.00

£1,555.00
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