Artist Statement

My art is an exploration of Change and Transition, themes that permeate both the natural world and human experience. I am fascinated by the irreversible timeline of growth and decay, the cyclical patterns that define ecosystems, and the subtle, transformative processes that shape our lives.

 

Change, as I observe it, is a fundamental force in nature. It is the shift from season to season, the budding, blooming, wilting, and seeding of plants, and the progression of life from egg to maturity in animals. These natural cycles illustrate the continuous evolution of existence, where endings inevitably lead to new beginnings.

 

Transition, on the other hand, is a more nuanced concept. It encompasses the unfolding process before, during, and after a change event, affecting us physically, emotionally, and psychologically. My work seeks to visualise these transitions in multiple ways. Firstly, I depict subjects at various stages of their life or in diverse contexts, showcasing their evolution over time. Secondly, I aim to create a transition for the viewer themselves. By presenting different perspectives on a single subject, I encourage reflection on personal relationships with that subject and the recognition of diverse viewpoints.

 

A key element of my practice is the transformation of medium itself. I work with encaustic wax, an ancient 2000-year-old technique, and adapt it to contemporary art practices. Often perceived as an abstract, muted medium, I push its boundaries to create light, crisp, and sometimes richly colourful compositions, challenging preconceived notions. In a sense, I am pioneering this medium in Australia, where its use is rare due to its challenging and less predictable nature.

 

This transformation of the medium parallels the themes of change and transition in my subject matter. The layering and manipulation of wax, through heat, oil painting, and pen drawings, mirror the layering of experiences and perspectives I aim to convey. The tactile quality of the built-up wax reflects the gradual, transformative nature of change and transition.

 

A key aspect of my artistic philosophy is the belief that embracing diversity is essential for resilience. Just as ecosystems with high biodiversity are better equipped to withstand disturbances, fostering diversity in human societies enhances our ability to navigate uncertainty and promote innovation. Flexibility and adaptation are also crucial. Just as organisms adjust to changing environments, humans must adapt their ways of living and working in response to emerging challenges.

 

Through my deconstructed narratives, presented in sequences of nine images, I invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of life and the multitude of perspectives that shape our understanding. My art is a call to recognise and celebrate the rich complexity of our world, where change and transition are constant forces, driving evolution and fostering resilience.