Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Fire in the Hold by Mark Andres

  • Title: Fire in the Hold
  • Artist: Mark Andres
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Size: 40"h x 34"w
  • Creation date: 2006
  • Donor: On loan from artist
  • Campus: Hillsboro Center
  • Location: Main Lobby - Outside of H102

This view from the bluff at the University of Portland looking out at the Swan Island shipyards is a favorite one of Andres', which he has called the "backdoor of Portland." There are several versions of this view in the Rock Creek collection.   This particular painting represents a dangerous fire in the hold of one of the shipping tankers.  Although this was painted from life on site, the black cloud of smoke was added by the artist for dramatic effect and reflected an internal dilemma he was struggling with at the time.  An artist may look outwards, but will always also be showing the view from inside.