Extracting
Anatomy
From
expansive shorelines to the intimate surroundings of home,
different environments have provided inspiration for my
work. Extracting Anatomy is an exploration of the human
body, from the basic building blocks, that is cell structures,
to more complex organs that have evolved to make Homo
Sapiens such an interesting subject to study. It is
environment which produces thoughts and ideas, a container
which processes air, solids and liquids.
The
medical profession has a language for describing the body,
for diagnosing illness and for prescribing drugs which often
eludes the lay person. For
example:
| brachi |
-
prefix indicating a connection to the arm |
| xerochelia |
-
dry lips |
| AP
ante partum |
-
before chidbirth |
| ap
ante prandium |
-
before dinner |
Extracting
Anatomy uses a personal visual language and its meaning
may also elude the viewer. It is an exploration of ambiguity,
perception and the way in which images are interpreted.
Although the final pieces are abtract, the research is firmly
rooted in observational drawing and colour studies. Many
weeks are spent looking at the subject, recording information
in sketchbooks.
I
looked at the surface of the body through life-drawing.
Obviously looking inside the body is more tricky! This was
resolved when the Queens Medical Centre kindly allowed me
access to stained cells and tissue samples.
Other
valuable resource material included the internet and medical
reference books. After collating this information, I closed
the sketch-books and worked from memory. The observational
work merely serves as a way of reinforcing this memory.
With
this vast array of information and visual imagery I began
to develop abstract forms using a personal, visual language..
As
the artist I can interpret the work and understand its ambiguity.
Each painting represents my perception of the elements contained
within it. Other viewers will interpret it according to
their own perceptions and experiences.
Whilst
each picture can be viewed as a puzzle, it is for each viewer
to unlock it and arrive at their own conclusions.
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