The artwork used in the exhibition was displayed as vertical strips, not because I didn’t like the artwork as a whole, but because the as an exhibition I wanted to display a taste of each painting to make up a collective visual presentation.
Frustration – A caged emotion of pent up desire to be who I want to be, contained within a glass cage for all to see.
Exhilaration – A sparkling moment of excitement and adrenaline as you take steps toward something you thought would never happen.
Resentment – Negativity, turning in on itself. A moment of unsought bitterness at seeing others appear happy with their life.
Conflict – Final caged emotion of inner conflict. A complex emotion that can spark unease and brooding turmoil, not easily resolved.
An awareness of how many people including myself go about daily life whilst hiding the inner turmoil going on inside.
Trying to show confidence in presenting myself moving against the gender stereotypes, whilst feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Quite a dark moment, looking deep into the mirror’s reflection and wanting to see a different face look back.
A moment of self-consciousness over my painted work, feeling embarrassed rather than proud.
A rare moment feeling that I’m not alone in my particular view and situation. That others are willing to stand with you.
When the inner turmoil and anxiety build to a searing pain. Mostly psychological but so that it can be felt physically too.
Whilst many paths feel like they move in one forward direction, towards the ‘expected’ goal, a different perspective can help.
My sixth attempt to creating a metaphorical banner or abstract coat of arms.
A fairly simple but clear moment when dark and heavy frictions can cause low feelings.
Where details are lost in anxious turmoil. The specifics are lost and only the abstract dark and light remain.
The importance of the number 3 is well known. My fifth attempt faced three monoliths representing judgement but also strength.
As certain details of life take shape, there are moments of clarity and joy that bring light even without guaranteed substance.
Flames representing time as it ages and withers life, right in front of your eyes.
The mirror can be cruel showing harsh realities. But the bright lights of the bathroom can reflect and hide things we don’t like to see.
A painting steered by subconscious creativity, not knowing where it would end up just as long as it loosely followed my emotions at the time.
An awareness that there are often several options we might choose that stand exposed to negativity or even danger.
Another observation of the number 3. How light and positivity can help support each other, even when we cant see everything.
Twenty Eight has always had significance for me. Something I’m aware of, something that’s part of me, like so many other aspects.
Feeling oddly creative I wanted to give my personality and situation physical shapes and colours.
How negativity can take the shine off any day, even the brightest and most colourful.
Standards of perceived normality contrasted with the few that choose not to conform.
Feminine eyes have always held a mystery to me. So different in shape and power to relatively nondescript masculine eyes.
An older piece dealing with the internal burning of personal anxiety.
An observation of how the embracing of vibrant colours and lights have been accepted and allowed to flourish.