Dr M G Weller MBE, Ph.D, research scientist Spain Positional - The Terrace
Probably deriving, at least in part, from my own background in the sciences and electronic engineering, I thought that Russell's recent work derived catalysis from his earlier professional involvment in engineering design and draftsmanship. However, The Terrace transported me into some character of occult hyperspace, some inner, non-physical dimension. A physical void suffused with interpenetrant vibrational energies, modulated fields of colour ranging from highly energetic short wavelength violets to lower energy and frequency reds. By physical analogy, a resonant chamber (space) in which reflections and interference effects between the interpenetrating fields of energy create three dimensional, linear forms (standing waves). And even these pseudo-solid structures (yellow on the canvas) shimmer with sinusoidal modulations, betraying their ethereal nature. This is no doubt a physicist's interpretation: matter- in reality only an apparent physical entity, but I suspect a mystic might see something similar but in different language.
Dr Ron Parsler, Ph.D, professor of sociology Cornwall Positional - Sea Scroll
The recent paintings typifies the precise and effective use of beautiful colour which has always been a feature of his paintings.
Des Hannigan, writer and journalist Chilterns Positional
Russell knows how to draw - the essential skill that defines anyonewho claims to be an artist. He is a devotee of the line and its mysteries and of drawing. He has worked consistently over the years and has not compromised with fashion, a rigour that has left him free to experiment and to pursue intriguing developments in his work. The result is a richly eclectic portfolio; the reward of following artistic paths that are never one-way.
Bill Packford, designer and journalist Spain Positional
What I hear in Russell Hedges' recent works are Spanish guitars. In Russell's paintings there is wild but controlled movement, quivering colour and dark, dramatic depths that all seem to me to echo that music's intense vitality. These are serious and joyful pictures.
Tony Lattimer. sculptural ceramicist Cornwall Positional
This is not painting of anything, any more than Bach's music is about anything. Nor is it an expression of an artist's ego. It is the unassuming trails left whilst moving paint across a surface and a dialogue and re-alignment of these as they cross and re-meet. What is left is ART, as with Bach, MUSIC
Mike Venning, Art critic and lecturer Chilterns Positional
Most of Russell's paintings seem abstract at first glance and only through continued study do the figurative elements reveal themselves.He aims at a synthesis of images, emotions and thoughts, often disparate and full of contradictions and non-sequiturs. Russell uses the archive of his subconscious; he doesn't deal with the specific and therefore allows the spectator recourse to his or her own subconscious for reference points in coming to terms with the work. The fuses set in his work are slow burning and there are twists and turns to be negotiated. He is fascinated with the landscape''s ability to tell us about ourselves.