QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.
The Collective/Cave, Acrylic on canvas. 270H x 167.4cm W. 2011 Over the past two years at art school I have been asked to do various self-portraits. During this time I have struggled how to paint myself, as I cannot define it. I know so much of myself yet nothing at all. I know what I see is not what others do, I know I can become anything I wish, I know I am the same as everybody else, I know I am an individual. Most of all I know my animals and beliefs are as important as I amthat we are the same. By understanding this concept I set about to create myself in their image and them in my own. In terms of sound, vibration, atoms and quarks. This painting represents my lounge room. A place I call the cave. Within the small four walls I have created a space where all animals are kings. They are rescued from pounds, roadsides and parks. Alive or dead is unimportant. They hang from walls, sit on couches and surround and protect me. They are my true self. Discarded, misunderstood, revered, adored, patted, forgotten, alive, and dead. My animals and I are all connected. We nurture each other and by doing so are all equally as important as each other. We are the same. By breaking each individual (person) or animal down into a fusion of lines and dots I call on the idea of ‘String Theory’ to show we are all vibration, By using complimentary colours I create a visual effect of vibration and non conformity. Yet everything within the picture plane conforms to this notion. Although there are strong colour blocks for individual beings within the paintings story, there is an overlap of colours for each beings colour ‘alphabet’ in the one closest to them. This creating a connection from one to the other. This showing one is the same, and none is more important. By varying my hues I can create a depth of field in a relatively flat painting style. I call these beings ‘my monsters’ as they push me to my boundaries and scream at me what to do. I feel if I respect them and acknowledge them I will be safe from harms way and continue to be able to pursue my art making.
QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.
The inspiration both human and animal
QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.