CLOUDS
I wanted my debut collection to be representative of my brand, and the feeling I’d like people to have viewing my art and experiencing my work.
Clouds felt to me, very appropriate and approachable. Especially considering my homepage image was already an illustration I had done of a cloud passing by a field.
I have always been drawn to clouds and like how from our perspective on the ground their movement seems so peaceful, yet I know to be right there among them, the wind surges past; breaking them to pieces, transforming them into new shapes.
As I have been approaching my one year anniversary of Top Surgery, transformation is something I have been thinking about frequently.
I was not able to acheive all that I wanted in this collection, and ambition vs what I can realisitically acheive is a challenge I am constantly reckoning with. I often set my sights very high, with equally high expectations of myself and my ability. But the reality is that I may not be that good or may not have enough time. Which is alright as long as I am able to face that and continue to practice and grow.
What I have been able to achieve during this collection is the above selection of cloud photographs taken mainly on my phone, and the below small canvas paintings that I did from both life and photo. As with all of my collections part of my goal is to create artwork that hits multiple different mediums so as to expand my portfolio in these areas, as well as develop my skills.
Unfortunately I did not get around to developing the tattoo flashes or product design ideas that I had wanted to for this release. But I shall keep those things in mind and will likley revisit this collection topic in a few years time.
Despite not acheiving a large quantity of artwork- nor recording as much footage of my process as I intended- I do think I learnt things from the collection, so deem it a success.
As said, I have always been drawn to clouds- cloudwatching is a very approachable way to practice mindfulness. To sit or stand and watch the clouds move across your view for a short while allows you to gain perpective and balance within yourself. Just as the shape of a cloud changes so quickly, so can your circumstances and worries.
I have many photos on my phone of clouds- and flowers and such things, as I’m sure many people do. I do not think the photos I have included in this collection are ‘Art’ really. They are just photos of something I find beautiful. Just photos.
I think it’d be lovely if more people took the time to appreciate the beauty of the sky, and in sharing my photos that is what I hope to achieve. To encourage people to engage more mindfully in the beauty of the world we have so abundantly around us.
