Watercolour, pencil & pen on paper.
25.5 cmW x 37.5cmH (Framed 38.7 cmW x 50.7 cmH)
This piece stands out for me because it marks the start of this journey. It was painted before “Accept/Resist” came into reality but I knew that it belonged in the collection the moment the space was offered.
It took a lot of courage for me to believe my work was something people wanted to see. Friends had been very supportive and encouraging but there is only so many artworks a friend can buy (Support your creative friends!). The only way to find out if I had something worth pursuing was to put myself out there, which was terrifying. Once out there and seeing that my work really had potential, I felt more confident to delve into what my ‘art’ meant to me. I felt that it was time for me to start exploring more of myself and what I wanted my work to be, other than just pretty.
I reached out and started thinking on the grittier, darker parts of existing and the idea for “Aries” came to me. I found this piece intimidating to start as the ram horns were well out of my comfort zone or experience at the time. This piece took a lot of concentration, planning and about two months to create.
The outcome was not what I expected but I have often mused on how she evolved. The flowers in the background are sparse, based on images of dead roses but I don’t feel they look dead. The more I look at those flowers I get a sense of many possibilities, depending on the eyes that behold it. I always see a Mona Lisa Smile on her face and there is a slight androgyny that makes me feel she is hovering in between many spaces and identities.
At the time I titled her “Aries” because, well, what else would I call her? I know I could rename this piece, but I opted not to out of respect for who and where I was when I created it. I have often thought that if I were to name her again, she would be called ‘Androgyny’. I love the way she is unashamedly her and in no need of definition, yet even I find myself trying to figure her out. She inspired me to explore the space between moments as where life is made, which lead to “Accept/Resist” coming into reality.
If you are interested in giving “Aries” a space in your world, please contact Platform Gallery directly.
Accept/Resist 11th-28th October
Platform Gallery
194 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Ph: 02 4742 0047
E: hello@platformgallery.co
W: www.platformgallery.co