Some of the themes my work looks at include tension, anxiety, adversity, the therapeutic qualities to be found in art, the confessional, use of text in painting, and also contains a strong autobiographical element.
I looked at Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry and Gillian Wearing for my dissertation as I feel these artists identify very strongly with these themes in their work.
In putting together my 2012 catalogue during my 2nd year at UCS I found it really helpful in looking at my work as an entire body. Previously I tended to focus on my current work, seeing it in isolation. The catalogue experience helped demonstrate that each work represents a small part of an emerging larger picture and dermonstrates my growing confidence as an artist.
I read recently that Mondrian chose not to frame his work as he did not feel it should be cordoned off from the world, but form part of it. I think that is a very interesting point. The idea makes the work seem so much more relevent.
Another point on this subject that I have picked up is one made by Robin – that my paintings work best when grouped together. A kind of dialogue seems to open up between the various works. Which for me was an unexpected and interesting point to emerge.
