'Air Chrysalis'
'Air Chrysalis'
My works are an initial response to the past few turbulent years of a seemingly endless period of lockdowns.
During the unusual experience we all endured, I felt an insatiable urge to get outside and re-connect with the place I call home, Victoria. I had plenty of time to think back to what initially inspired me in my younger years. I remember growing up around the Mount Dandenong’s, not having fences and exploring the forest after school everyday. I was completely encapsulated in the present moment and I wanted to re-create that feeling. As soon as I could I begun exploring Victoria’s national parks, beaches and forests. Each artwork is an impression from collated photo references and of memorised atmospheres. Every work showcases their region, from Mount Dandenong to Bushranger’s Bay, Lerderderg and many other familiar locations in Victoria.
We are plunging deeper into a digitised era, and our minds are more distracted by technological trinkets every year. Escaping into nature is my gateway into the present; when you spend time amongst the leaves you begin to understand the balance between self and surroundings.
Each artwork encapsulates a feeling of peace and presence that stillness provides. I wanted motionless moments where the human figures flicker between visible and camouflaged, to highlight people being part of nature not against it. I didn’t want to draw attention away from the atmosphere of each work, so the people mimic their surrounding and accent the landscape. This is a visually symbolic experience between the land and its occupants.
The environment and its protection is my key focus. I constantly find something new to appreciate in a sunset or moments amongst creaking trees hearing the leaves falling and the land breathing. The impressive colour’s on show during different times of the day create emotional responses for me and lead to inspiration. I feel obligated to inspire others the way I have been inspired to protect, research and explore the beauty which nature provides.
