"Seated Monk with Bowl"  (Ceramic)

 

Artist's Statement 2006

In a time, when we are bombarded in the media by act upon act of aggression, counter aggression and a seemingly insatiable desire to demonstrate how depraved and violent we can be as a species the once popular words of compassion, peace and love seem as jaded as 70’s fashions. Perhaps though, like flared jeans, compassion, peace and love will soon see a fashionable return to popularity but in the meantime there are many who are repulsed daily by human lunacy that is bizarrely justified, double standard politics and the ever growing competition between the dark sides of human nature.

As an artist, living through this time, the body of work I produce is influenced by the desire to see light at the end of what is arguably another dark age of our history. Creatively, my paintings from this period strive to provide an opportunity for self reflection. My sculpture encouraging touch and the sensory response which that provokes, currently utilises small polished Rupa styled forms and monumental dramatic silhouette, creating dynamic viewfinders to stimulate observation.

The imagery strives to provide a subtle examination of our often complex human nature, a salutory reminder of our potential for doing less harm and an aspiration towards finding greater attraction in that.

On a very elementary level, the success of this work begins as soon as it provides humour and provokes discussion.

 

A selection of other previously featured work inspired by the Dharma can be seen in the gallery section of this site.