ARTIST STATEMENT
Instigated by chiaroscuro and Baroque painting, I wanted to address the imbalance of classical female artists and the Baroque preoccupation with sexualization and objectification. My self-portrait, in a handmade frame, started a journey of light both literally and metaphorically. Moreover, the two pastel portraits focus on colour as a vehicle of light and mood. Finally, the oil on copper series reframes an historic genre with a female gaze. I wish to communicate the complexities of mood through the feminist landscape, inviting the viewer to engage psychologically with the strong contrasting tones and seek to metaphorically force their eye out of the misogynistic darkness.
ARTWORK PROCESS
My first artwork in the installation is a self portrait painting on black canvas and handmade gilded frame (air-dry clay moldings) influenced by the Baroque period. I felt limited by the acrylic paints as they were fast drying and didn’t allow me to blend. I resumed my experimentation with the two pastel portraits that focused on color as vehicle of light. Finally, I completed my chiaroscuro study by painting on copper. Learning from experimentation, I used a wire brush to create a textured surface and used oil paints. This allowed for the slower drying time and smoother gradients.
