Through my art-making, I embark on a journey into the depths of the psyche, where fragments of memories blend with nostalgia for the past and obsolete technology. In this creative realm, I weave together disparate elements, giving life to artwork that conveys a sense of distance, detachment, and a touch of estrangement from the familiar. Within this boundless space, floating geometry, machine-like shapes, and abstract forms emerge, defying gravity and appearing weightless, like misfit aliens from another realm, transcending multiple horizon lines and dissolving the boundaries between reality and illusion. I delve into the arrangement of elements, where certain aspects take prominence and influence the overall composition, while others are disproportionately small or large, creating a hierarchy of objects that may challenge the narrative. It is within this liminal realm that my art finds its voice, calling upon viewers to challenge their perceptions and immerse themselves in the enchanting possibilities of imagination, akin to costumed saints telling a story of ritual and magic.
The paintings exude a consistent energy, whether sourced from found slide photography, discovered web visuals, my personal photos, or still-life objects from my home that take on a mysterious allure. My artistic fascination touches on the interplay between abstraction and the figurative, delving into the dynamics of personal spaces and the external world, where people and creatures coexist harmoniously or uneasily, reminiscent of characters in an elaborate masquerade. My curiosity is drawn to the fusion of found imagery with personal visuals, investigating their interactions and delving into the realms of intimate and public spaces, where the boundaries between self and other become blurred.
My upbringing in New Zealand was a tapestry of diverse cultural influences, and during my extended stays in Mexico, I encountered the allure of various masks worn in traditional ceremonies, which now linger in my memories. These experiences subtly shape my artistic vision, infusing my work with a profound sense of cultural heritage and ancestral connections, woven together from both the land of New Zealand and the vibrant traditions of Mexico—like ancient stories passed down through generations. As viewers engage with my art, they may encounter echoes of the past, resonating within them, evoking their unique experiences and personal ties to heritage and traditions, like encountering long-lost companions at a grand masquerade ball.
Venturing into a visual exploration, I employ a diverse range of mixed media—spray paint, oil colour, pastel, wax, stand oil, shimmer pigments and pearl essence on canvas, or charcoal, pastel, ink, acrylic and watercolour on paper—I create a rich tapestry of textures and depths, much like the layers of clothing adorning mythical creatures. This intricacy mirrors the complexity of human existence and its profound connection with the Earth, as we are all interwoven in the grand cosmic costume.
My hope is that my work sparks curiosity, inviting viewers to embrace the beauty of the unconventional, the misfit, floating objects, and the enchantment of existence. Reflecting on nostalgia, the yearning for obsolete technology, and the enigmatic sense of distance, detachment, and exile residing within each of us, forever linked to the land that holds stories of mythical beings and mysterious adventures.
More Painting:
Gravity