Artist Statement

I studied art through to A-levels, and continue to work creatively in my spare time, whilst studying for a degree in Genetics at Cardiff University.
I work specifically with acrylics on large canvases. I work primarily with the female figure, and also with flowers. I have explored the juxtaposition between the female and the almost 'erotic' symbolism of the orchid flower. I like to work with layers, and spatial relationships within my paintings, to convey certain ideas. For example, my painting which focuses on female body image. I wanted to express the female's preoccupation with body image and the associated eating disorders that are a consequence of the world we live in today... an over consuming society plagued by images of skinny celebrities and supermodels. This particular piece was shortlisted for the 2004 Lexmark Art prize. It was one of 30 canvases shortlisted from 4000 entries within the UK.
I use an SLR pentax and macro lens to photograph many of my subjects, and also combine this with adobe photoshop to manipulate some of the images before translating them onto canvas.

Bianca Soucek