ARTIST STATEMENT
Anxiety is the body’s natural reaction to stress and fear. Feelings of anxiety and drowning in my own thoughts are explored in the artwork. Stages of destruction literally and figuratively represent the self-destruction I experience. I use eyes to create an emotional connection with the audience. The various forms of deconstruction of the artwork signify that despite overcoming a situation (caused by anxiety), fear and emotional damage remains. Hence the artwork not being fully repaired. The painting has been transformed into an installation, making the display of Break Down crucial in depicting how isolating anxiety can feel.
ARTWORK PROCESS
Design painted on canvas with acrylic
Artwork wrapped with cling wrap & hands used to 'claw' at it with paint (last layer of protection before anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Blue acrylic paint applied directly to canvas & sprayed with water, 'washing it down'.
Canvas then destroyed through cutting/ripping - pulled from frame & burnt in places.
Canvas is then stitched back together in places (putting the pieces back together, but never really being whole again).
Ash used from burning, to be part of the final work as part of the scarring of anxiety.
