ARTIST STATEMENT
Many struggle with growing up and feel that adulthood entails a total abandonment of childishness; I believe childishness is essential to the coming of age. This work is a fond retrospection of my childhood and a hopeful look toward what's to come. Inspired by Christian iconography paintings which portray divine figures in ways which feel both otherworldly and homely, along with artists Tsoku Maela and Takashi Murakami who reference ancient cultures in a contemporary context. Religion is one of many ways people seek stability in ever-changing times; I rely on nostalgia for comfort. I hope to prompt reminiscence and a childish joy through this work.
ARTWORK PROCESS
I referenced three archetypical Christian paintings, exploring the theme of ascension; both literally, as achieving heavenly status, and non-literally, as personal growth. Collage and stickers cover the background and set the colour scheme. The 3D elements are symbols of my childhood and consist of cheap party favours, glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars, and seashells. I have a very particular drawing aesthetic which has developed over the last few years through all my work. Initial designs are created using the iPad and then objects and drawing media are combined with acrylic painting to complete the work. The figures are all images of me.
