The Brunswick Barber is all about cutting through chaos, neglect, inertia and cutting back unhelpful ‘strands’, in people’s lives. Together with his apprentice (the angel holding scissors) they create opportunities for new growth to sprout.

Compassionate yet direct in his assessment of what is needed, the Brunswick Barber has no time to waste as there is a queue of customers waiting. He is a master of his craft and whoever sits before him is guaranteed to leave feeling renewed and wiser for it.

This painting is based on a small 20cm x 20cm Brunswick Barber I did in 2018, inspired by the growing numbers of bearded hipsters living in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. This current version is a more adventurous exploration into this archetype. The figure is loosely based on icons of Christ or saints with hand in an attitude of blessing.