ARTIST STATEMENT
The fleeting nature of memory and the record of its existence are integral to the human experience. Another Year is an exploration of symbols in art. The cake represents the passing of time, and it serves as a memento mori. The deliberate use of chiaroscuro creates contrast between the dark background, cast in shadows, and the light foreground drawing focus to the cake. The absence of faces and familiarity of the scene enhance viewer engagement as one can imagine or draw on an experience like this. The empty space on both benches implies that someone is missing, alluding to death and loss.
ARTWORK PROCESS
This painting is based on a still from a video taken at my Aunt's birthday party. The image was cropped and compositional adjustments were made during the painting process, such as the exclusion of people and objects. The work was painted on canvas using acrylic paint and features techniques including underpainting, dry brush, glazes and wash.
