Sunday 19 April 2015

A Mind Exposed to Reveal the Chaos Inside

plaster
price upon request



I have been designing patterns for years. Before this semester I had only drawn them two dimensionally (mostly with ink but occasionally with paint), however I decided to try applying my patterns to a three dimensional surface. I carved my designs into plaster and decided to leave the sculpture white. In keeping the designs subtle from afar, an experience is created when the viewer discovers that the patterns are present and that the sculpture is not just a smooth surface. 

Where We Began

acrylic on paper
44.5 x 37 cm
price upon request

This painting is the first seascape study I did. This is the painting that led me to start painting seascapes. 

The Flowers Smell Like Coconuts

oil on paper
70 x 100 cm
price upon request

This is the first official landscape I painted (I had previously painted seascapes, a delicate distinction but an important one I learned). I referenced a photo I took while on a trip to the Burren National Park. This semester I took a class called Irish Studies in which we learned about Ireland and went on trips, mostly around the Burren. It was an amazing class because I learned so much and got to see some amazing places. 

Before the Wind

oil on canvas
80 x 119 cm
price upon request

I painted this while referencing a photograph I took early in the semester while traveling along the coast. This painting is one that I am quite fond of because of what it represents. I took the photo because I was standing up on a hill staring out over the bay and in that moment a sense of calm took over me (as cliche as that may sound). I knew that whatever happened I would always have that moment staring out over the water. I still look at that photo when I am stressed and it gives me a sense of calm. 

Windswept

oil on canvas
79 x 118 cm
price upon request 

Not surprisingly the Irish winds inspired me to create this painting. This piece was one of the first that I painted while at the Burren as well as in general. It was only this semester that I formally started painting. I ended up working a lot on this painting because I used different techniques and mediums and explored different ways of handling and applying paint. It taught me to be patient. I would become frustrated and abandon it only to keep coming back to it and continue working on it. This painting is a personal timeline of my work and how much I've learned while at the Burren. 

Beside the Giant 1 & 2

acrylic on paper
100 x 70 cm
price upon reuest
 




These paintings were not originally intended to be a pair but they were hung side by side as I painted them. As they progressed they started to become more and more alike while still maintaining their own personalities. I finished painting them with the intent that they be presented as a diptych. They are both paintings of landmasses that I discussed in the previous post that lie near the Giants Causeway. I referenced my own photographs in the process of painting these pieces.

The Camels Back

acrylic on paper
70 x 100 cm
price upon request



I was very inspired by the Giants Causeway which lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland.
The Causeway itself is a spectacular and truly amazing landmass. The shapes of the rocks are fascinating and entrancing. But directly next to the Causeway are other landmasses, spectacular cliffs and hills. One of these hills was called The Camel because of the shape of the rock formation (it really did look like a camel). I referenced a photo I took of The Camel while working on this painting.

Changing the way I do things

My last post (and also the first that I have posted to this new site) was rather non-specific and did not accurately display my work (in my opinion) so from now on I will be posting pieces individually with descriptions (or if pieces are related they will be posted together). Sorry if there was any confusion and I hope you enjoy my work.

Friday 17 April 2015

Burren Final Show

This semester I studied at the Burren College of Art in Ireland. I have never had a formal painting or sculpture class before coming to the Burren and I have loved learning to work with the new materials. Here are the pieces in my final show. Enjoy!