Strands of translucent white forms sweep around and through a portrait of a black woman. Inspired by a person escaping into fantastical realms of imagination.
‘Being’ is a series of oil paintings that express my response to philosophical topics related to the "illusion of self", "environmental influence", and the "question of consciousness". Our sense of self is not a singular, static entity, but rather a complex and dynamic construct that is continually in flux, shaped by a variety of internal and external factors. Increasingly, research suggests that physical surroundings can significantly influence behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs. The hard problem of consciousness seeks to understand the nature of subjective experience and awareness and how it arises from the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
I draw inspiration from these fascinating, daunting, yet liberating concepts, but I develop the paintings through my own initial organic and reflective reaction.
When I begin a painting, I first paint the individual and abstract form, mostly in alla prima, with an adjustment layer if necessary. While I have a desired composition in mind, I also allow spontaneity to guide the final translucent forms, which act ambiguously.
