Pincushion
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The first question everyone asks me is always “Why Plants?”
When I returned to painting after a seven year absence, I jumped from
one subject matter to the next, giving everything a bash. My intellect
would get in the way as I struggled to fi nd something that inspired me
enough to want to paint more. Plants weren’t the obvious answer.
While I have always appreciated the beauty of the natural environment,
I would describe myself more as a lazy gardener, doing the bare minimum
to keep my plants alive. But for some reason, pinecones have always held
a fascination for me.
And this is where my journey into the powerful world of plants began.
A few years ago I picked up a pinecone from the side of the road and
took it along to my, then, weekly painting group. As I examined this item
and attempted to translate its form onto my canvas, I discovered much
unexpected texture, colour and subtlety within its prism-like structure;
beauty in what is often over-looked, and under-appreciated. From this
turning point, my urge to explore plant forms was ignited. There was
suddenly so much I needed to paint, and so much inspiration around me.
My 15 years of experience in the holistic therapy fi eld has fi nely tuned my
intuitive processes and sensitised me to the underlying essence of the
subject matter I depict.
This results in creations that tap into the holistic, subtle energetics of my
subjects, rather than in photo-realism.
Photography assists with this process in that it has offered me a glimpse
into the most intimately secret world inside plants; that which the naked
eye doesn’t register.
I am often overwhelmed by what my camera’s macro setting picks up,
and what I fi rst thought to be a throw-away photograph, is revealed to be
a dynamic moment in a plant’s life.
I veer towards indigenous plant life and the strength and potency that
it holds; relating powerfully to its energetic structures. My artworks are
bold and often large as I cannot possibly depict these vital, awe-inspiring
structures in small, less signifi cant terms. But rather than being botanicallymotivated,
I am motivated by form, texture, colour and vitality. I fi nd
fulfi lment in these aspects of plants. My artwork titles are simple and often
descriptive rather than attempting to be botanically-correct; e.g.: “Spiny
Cluster”.
I live my life according to my intuition, my truth. Rather than striving to
make a statement through my work, I am following a pull. And I will
continue to respond to and celebrate this pull, for as long as plants
continue to surprise me.
Does that answer the question?
To view my portfolio, visit www.claudiaswall.com or contact me on info@claudiaswall.com
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