Statement of Intent ☀

Statement of Intent

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Intentions & Directions
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This semester I have decided to focus on painting and sculpture. The kind of art style I would like to achieve within these disciplines is a happy, fluid mix between semi-realism and abstract pattern/surrealism. My art style has always naturally followed a rather whimsical, fantasy-esque, often nature-oriented path, with incorporations of cultural tradition and spiritualism (sometimes at once). I intend to embrace these naturally occurring interests, and enhance them as my ‘style’ develops.

The art I enjoy most tends to be aesthetically pleasing, colourful and free. Flowing lines, shapes and figures particularly pique my interest. The art I create tends to be free of a deeper meaning, although this is something that I would like to alter if possible. In terms of subjects I could explore, I hold a particular interest in human psychology, nature and how we respond to it, freedom, history and human expression. Whether this is expressed through culture, spirituality or through their own creations.

Starting Point:

The art that I have been personally creating lately has been based around nature. This is something that I would like to embrace as a base point, and move further with. Nature is an incredibly versatile word to use as a base point, as it can involve plants, animals and an unlimited number of natural formations (landscapes, oceans, mountains, stones). The idea of nature is very free and unrestrained, as Mother Nature is her own boss, and though we have tamed the landscapes, we can never truly contain nature and how it grows. I enjoy the idea of free flowing movement and beautiful, natural colours. The earth often leaves me in awe at how the most beautiful things on this planet occurred by themselves, with no human aid. Formations such as colourful crystals and geodes, as well as vibrant flowers and plants are especially astonishing to me. It’s almost miraculous that they exist. How lucky we are to live in such a colourful world, when we are just as capable of surviving in a monotone one. (proven by large cities, concrete jungles, offices, modern houses).

The colours in nature often inspire my art. I make the effort to create colourful art, simply because I am able to, and because colour is a blessing in itself and should be shared.

I also have a strong interest in pattern, and nature is the finest display of pattern that there is. I can see myself wonderfully melding with the organic patterns of leaves, feathers, rocks, animal skins, water and how it runs, stones and how they erode, the skies, wood grain, bird wings, butterfly markings… Need I say any more?

I feel that colour and pattern in nature could be a brilliant place to start, and yet, I fear that it may appear childish to use colours too vivid. Unfortunately, realism tends to require muted colours to achieve proper tone and lighting, and so, colours too vivid can often connote a lack of skill or understanding. I would like to find a happy medium between vivid colour, and a proper representation of my understandings of colour realistically.

Techniques & Process:

To be able to master my own style, I know that I must first master the traditional techniques that all great artists study (basic anatomy, facial structure, lighting and tone, proportion and perspective – all things necessarily learnt for realism) to be able to manipulate them however way I may want to. Anatomy is especially important for the art I wish to achieve (art with full body images in movement), but it is also the most difficult thing for me to grasp. To combat this I intend to attend life drawing when available, and create studies of independent anatomical subjects in my own time, to then transfer what I have learnt into my paintings and/or sculptures. Whether this is in pencil, watercolour or acrylic/oil.

I have taken to making sketches digitally using a digital graphics tablet, as it is much easier to work quickly and plot concepts digitally. For example, it is much easier to test colour schemes digitally, because you can alter the colours with the click of a button and save many copies of a single piece. This does not mean that I prefer working digitally over traditionally, but to save time when sketching, it can sometimes be incredibly helpful. I can see this being especially helpful in my sculpture development, as to plot multiple perspectives of a single item if needed.

Sculpture wise, I am interested in clay, wire and when available, glass and stones. I do not wish to limit myself by assuming that I will use one medium or another in sculpture, as I am generally unfamiliar to sculpture and plan to enjoy the learning process of what I can and cannot do. Clay, though, generally, is something that I can admire and get along with very well. I am keeping an open mind, and I'm sure that I will find many materials that I would rather use along the way. Such as natural substances and formations. (pressed flowers, crystals, feathers? shells? anything goes)

I am sure my techniques will evolve as I do, and as I learn from those around me. I am open to change, and looking forwards to seeing what tomorrow brings.