LOOKING AHEAD and TAKING STOCK

 

Over the last week

I have been simultaneously looking ahead and taking stock of the art work that I have produced over the last few years, it's valuable to see a pattern emerging from the work, most of which is based around my tendancey to respond to situations, particularly socio-political issues, or a story that in someway catches my attention - that I have felt a connection with, which has then stimulated me to create work. One of those moments emerged after researching the story of Chico Mendes; a courageous Brazilian man who stood up for the rights of Brazilian rubber plant workers in the 1960s - 70s ( this can be read on a previous blog) the paintings medium is acrylic

Chico Mendes and the Brazil nut Tree

The image also has the famous Brazil nut tree; a symbol of Brazil.
The tree is classed as protected so when deforestation occurs it is illegal to cut or burn it down, ironically it does eventually die because of the destruction to the eco system around it... The tree cannot grow in many other places because it needs a certain type of bee and orchid for it to pollinate Brazil nut's are incredibly nutritious containing selenium which aides wellbeing... This image came into being through this story. the intension of painting it blue was done as a symbolic reference point and an act in recognition of the chaos caused by deforestation, also as a poignant reminder of the cause and effects upon the rain forest by man.


Another piece of work created was in response to the plight/reaction of the indigenous peoples facing imminent displacement from their ancestral home, where they have lived for generations. The image shows a family group taken from a photo image and worked in charcoal the use of charcoal being significant as it is made from burnt /charred wood.

The last image in acrylic and mixed media was created in response to researched images of the devastation created by fires used in deforestation.The image shows the smouldering remains and aftermath of fire.

These works were informed by my work and collaboration with the World Land Trust in 2013, I hope to show other work developed in the next blog.