Ian creates large abstract paintings and drawings. His canvases contain subconscious imagery and explosive marks. These marks are born through physical and emotional expression. Although he does on occasion use more traditional materials such as brushes, oil sticks and charcoal, Ian prefers to paint with sticks, squeegees, and his hands. The drawing element is important in this work, allowing for a raw and a more real feeling of liberation through mark making.

After the initial expressive mark has been made Ian constructs a carefully thought out composition which is punctuated by a frenzy of expressive marks. These compositions are often born out of elements of many preparatory drawings and photographs. During the course of a painting, Ian masks out sections, whites areas out to start from scratch and turns the canvas both on its side and its head. Torn paper is often collaged onto sections of the painting bringing with it the idea of fragmentation, as well as creating more space within the canvas.

There are often figurative elements within Ian's canvases, and he is currently exploring the use of limbs, eyes and teeth. Ian uses the eye motif as a metaphor for an opening, the eye is said to be the boundary between the soul and the outside world. Cage like structures and teeth also play a role, with teeth being a direct link to the skeleton. Ian's subject matter has included Eastern philosophy, spiritual renewal, journeys and death and rebirth. Inspiration is drawn from art history, emotions, song lyrics and his surroundings, he is also interested in the unfinished and the imperfect. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly, and more recently Christopher Wool and Albert Oehlen influence Ian.

Exhibitions

Open Studios, Widcombe Studios, Bath, June 2008

Painting to Some Purpose, Centrespace
Gallery, Bristol, March/April 2008
Open Studios, Widcombe Studios, Bath, December 2007
Open Studios and Gallery Show, Widcombe Studios, Bath, May 2007
Recent Paintings - Solo Exhibition, Widcombe Studios Gallery, Bath, February 2007
Open Studios, Widcombe Studios, Bath, December 2006
Open Studios and Gallery Show, Widcombe Studios, Bath, May 2006
45 Degrees Southwest, London, July 2005
University of Plymouth Summer Show, June 2005
Ian Maslen & Simon Chesher, Clifford Fishwick Gallery, Exeter, November 2004
Second Year Show, Exeter Racecourse, May 2004
24 Hour Arty People, Exeter Phoenix, April 2004
Summer Show, City of Bath College, June 2002
Bristish Council Offices, Sofia, Bulgaria, June 2002

Residencies

John Henry Newman School, Stevenage, September 2008 - July 2009

Studio Practice

Widcombe Studios, Bath, February 2006 - August 2008
Spacex Gallery, Exeter, November 2004 - July 2005

Untitled, 2008, ink, charcoal, oil, fabric and wood.