Heather Crowther
Artist Statement
Throughout my work I have been fascinated by the concept of transformation over time, more specifically from one medium or state to another. This has manifested itself in various ways through my use and exploration of different mediums and devices.
My first introduction to this was while studying fine art, where I started exploring the concept of how decay and transformation are inextricably linked. I was and still am fascinated with the ability of turning something that is decaying and at the end of its life in the conventional sense, into an everlasting piece of beauty. Rust has traditionally been considered a sign of destruction and corrosion, often feared by many. Personally I find it incredibly beautiful and poetic in the sense that it has a life of its own and is part of the natural chemistry that is continually taking place in the world around us. For what is generally interpreted as a sign that something that has come to the end of its usefulness, when rust sets in it signals a transformation to a new level where life and growth continues through chemical processes that we, as humans, have little control over.
This sense of change and evolution permeates through other areas of my work, especially in relation to my ultraviolet paintings and installation pieces. These works have a two-fold nature in that they exist as one representation under ‘normal’ light, but when exposed to ultraviolet light they undergo a metamorphosis where specific characters of individual elements transform into something new and different, an effect which has to be taken into account from the very beginning. Additionally, the use of photosensitive ‘memory’ paint in certain areas allows a 3rd different representation to emerge from the same image. It is through this element of change that each image consists of 2 and sometimes 3 different representations, all co-existing in the same artwork and only revealing themselves when certain light conditions are applied.
It is this sense of transformation that has led me to my current single line drawing pieces, where minimalist form is transformed and manipulated through the application of light, reflecting the true essence of the natural world around us. These pieces are based on the principles of Sacred Geometry, which is found throughout our world on both a physical and metaphysical level. Currently I am exploring new ways that allow for the expansion and fusion of 2 traditional art forms, namely painting and sculpture, where each work is a 3D representation of a 2D line drawing. This creates a raised relief effect physically on the work, which is mirrored symbolically in the depth of perspective generated through the use of line and colour.
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