ARTIST STATEMENT
Since the mining boom in the early 2000's, the Mackay city center has seen a decline in business activity. I observed this decrease in popularity which provoked feelings of isolation, despair and emptiness as an emotional response to the number of 'For Lease' signs. I propose this decrease in popularity is influenced by online shopping and a major shopping outlet which has made the inner city redundant. the iconic, rotting establishments juxtapose lonely human figures. these represent my inner thoughts and feelings. each oil pastel drawing tells a story of my sensory journey through the city heart.
ARTWORK PROCESS
With the stimulus of Mackay and the Pioneer River, I went on a sensory journey inspired by Jacqueline Scotcher's process. I observed my surroundings and discovered the lack of life in the city heart. I represent feelings and observations in my artwork framed by repeated leaf shapes symbolising growth, decay and change.
