Artist Statement
Through layered oil images I have explored what a
portrait is and a young person’s realities that might be unapparent from a
straight “mug-shot”. Shelley’s sonnet noted:
‘Lift not the painted veil
which those who live call Life’
which those who live call Life’
Portraiture can contemplate what a person’s life appears to
be, and what we perceive as ‘real’ from it, when in truth this is not the case.
I have been interested in the exposures to vulnerability that young people
face. Through a lack of care and support, in home, school and social environments,
the variety of circumstances became clear. I have tried to express the emotions
and level of susceptibility of each situation through relational colour. I want
my pieces to show what cannot be understood by merely looking at a person and created a theatre set model to paint from.
The stage curtain inspired “bookend” edges contain the unravelling narrative
and represent our barriers of assumption and disinterest that must be pulled
back to reveal realities. I am trying to make these more transparent,
literally.
When support and care are shut off young people,
and indeed all of us, find ourselves in a vulnerable situation. Ultimately, left
open to our own emotions and alone to guide our reason, cares and attitude,
this influences our way forward through the actions and decisions it is necessitated
that we make. Only the whole picture can authorise a fair judgment and an
understanding perception. I like the idea of peeling back the ‘blank’ portrait and delving into the lived reality for the true portrait. I do not think it is necessary to fully comprehend
this painterly mess; we nearly always fail to comprehend the reality. I hope to
highlight that, when we only have a narrow view or limited understanding, we
can misjudge what we see.
Group Photo: Fine Art Third Years. Cardiff School of Art and Design Graduates of 2013.
Biography
Born: 7th April 1991, Dorchester
Education: The Thomas Hardye School 2004-2009, GCSE and A-Level
Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC) 2010-2013, Fine Art BA (Hons)
Exhibitions: Dorchester Arts Week, Joint Exhibition - Frank Herrings and Sons, June 2012
Graduate Degree Show - Howard Gardens, 8th-14th June 2013 (Upcoming)
Oil on Board, 50x80cm
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