My work focuses on utilising discarded and abandoned materials which have been affected and altered by the kinetic energy of the sea. This suggestion of something ruined and unwanted but reduced in its original form and use by nature, is an important motivation for me.
I am looking at the colours and shapes, the negative spaces around and within the objects. I am attempting to communicate this by reducing my palette, using strong but considered gestures and negative space to define the objects. Strong confident mark making allied with a sense of brevity and space within the canvas is also important.
I have collected and assembled found materials which represent a transitory juxtaposition while displaying a strong sculptural quality. They inspire much of my work, their original purpose is unimportant as they appear beautiful and intriguing having been altered and damaged by the sea.
This clashes with the ultimate juxtaposition by providing a commentary on their polluting effect along the coastline, eg: the fragments of an old battery washed onto the breakwater on Bull Island. It remained in situ for two weeks as an alluring piece of natural sculpture while leaching deadly chemicals into the sea.
Collage-Helena Murray.
Oil on canvas
Oil and acrylic on canvas
Oil and acrylic on canvas
Found materials
Research
Preparatory oil sketches
Preparatory drawings and collage
Preparatory drawings and collage
Preparatory drawings and collage
Preparatory drawings and collage