Theme: Dreamworld
-scape, photographs, paper on paper 6x6" 2015
Theme: Connection
Air Earth acrylic, pen on paper 6x6" 2015
I have become part of a group of twelve female artists titled onefourfour. The group, (consisting of Sue Beyer, Tracie Grimwood, Julie Keating, Kara Rasmanis, Denise Reichenbach, Michelle Sanger, Sophie Towers, Amanda Van Gils, Irene Wellem, Shona Wilson and myself) has been organised by the very talented and equally lovely Ilona Nelson. Each month one of the artists nominates a theme. Everyone then has a month to produce an artwork in any medium based on that theme. According to Ms Nelson, "It is meant to be a fun project to encourage you to experiment and keep working". And it is just that. I joined the group three months late, after one of the artists withdrew. This provided me with the overwhelming task of producing three artworks for January - March, (dreamworld, diverge and connection) and then days later I was sent the theme for April (transform). Thankfully I have been asked to choose the theme for May, which allows me an extra few weeks to plan and make.
Within these guidelines I have set some of my own parameters. To make each artwork an individual. Although when I compare the two images above I already feel that I have failed that goal. They both contain a certain nostalgia. They both display an atmosphere of space and distance. They both have a horizon line, and to me they both present what I can only cringingly describe as, an inner peace. Nostalgia.
I was accused of committing such a crime in Post Grad. It was frowned upon by certain members of staff to create anything of nostalgia, remotely nostalgic, or with any sentimentality. Until I looked at both images together I had not realised it was lurking. I am currently working on the next two pieces, both of which are on canvas, one of which I am certain will fall in to the 'N' category again. And so be it I say. It will be interesting to see the twelve completed images together and to note the similarities and differences. Now I am sounding like a post grad student.
