Artist’s Statement
My art practice is inspired by
the role of the archaeologist, investigator and digger, exploring the concept
of objects as a container and symbol for our actions, experiences and memories.
The purpose of my work is to explore and make sense of the material world and
built environment created by humans and express this in a visual manner.
My previous work has been
preoccupied with the recurring image of the house, symbolising a person’s need
for shelter and protection. The
use of recurrent motifs or themes is an integral part of my work. I use words combined with images of
tents, ships, boxes, books and other material things to connect to thoughts and
emotions in the past. These ideas
demonstrate the role of the archaeologist who tries to grasp the human meanings
that were held by artefacts, searching for traces of the human mind in the
archaeological record.
Through the medium of
printmaking, 3D installations and photography combined I investigate the idea
of an object as something with a real presence above being purely functional as
a venue or shelter. The use of
light is an important element in my work in order to create an atmospheric
space and turn lifeless objects into living, breathing beings.
Recent bodies of work such as This
Ship’s Cargo, Dwelling and As I walked through the wilderness of
this world… have focused on an exploration of thoughts about the ‘pilgrim’
or ‘traveller’. The tent is used
as a metaphor to express abstract concepts of the mysterious place of sanctuary
and survival; the ship a symbol of pilgrimage, salvation of the soul and
sanctuary.
My practice is an
inter-disciplinary undertaking as it combines the science of archaeology with
visual art. The work of art
historian Whitney Davis and archaeologist Colin Renfrew, have been an abundant
source of inspiration. Other
influences spring from various historical sources- the museum, ancient sites,
Paleolithic art, hieroglyphics, medieval Christian motifs as well as that of
the marginal society. All materials worked by human hands recount something
about themselves and about us, to where connected ideas emerge.
As an emerging artist, dedicated to becoming a
professional I am left with little time for part-time employment to generate
income. Therefore I am fully
reliant on generous awards, bursaries and grants as a means of supporting my
career and developing my practice.
I plan to continue my research on
archaeology and the “built” environment, exploring new ideas on the material
world built by humans and how this helps to understand our place in the
world. Furthermore, I will develop
my research on the “pilgrim” or “traveller”, exploring the concept and ethos of
those who went into unexplored territory in search of a new life.
I plan on further pursuing
installation work, creating larger, more ambitious pieces while also working on more
experimental ways of combining print with object making, creating pieces that
break away from the boundary of the flat page, something that is tangible like
the cave paintings of Prehistoric people.
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