It's Tough Being Strange | Oil on canvas | 92 x 122 x 2 cm | 2024

ARTWORK STATEMENT

This oil painting, titled "It's Tough Being Strange," captures the formidable presence of Medusa, a figure often misunderstood. I have portrayed her in a moment of introspection, surrounded by an ethereal atmosphere that evokes her dual nature as both a monster and a tragic figure.

Her serpentine hair snakes around her, adding movement and depth to the composition, while her gaze reflects both strength and vulnerability. The colour palette, rich with deep greens and muted golds, emphasizes the interplay between beauty and horror. Medusa’s expression invites the viewer to consider the burdens she carries, highlighting themes of isolation and resilience inherent in her mythos.

This artwork encourages reflection on the experiences of those deemed "strange" or different in society, making a poignant statement about acceptance and the complexity of the human experience. I hope to invite the viewer to empathize with Medusa, transforming her from a mere villain into a symbol of struggle and identity.

“AUGURY” SERIES STATEMENT

This series of works weaves together themes of mythology, science fiction, esoterica and the occult into old master inspired fantasy dreamscapes. These works represent something ancient and modern, drawing inspiration from the renaissance and baroque periods. The method used requires an underpainting in earth tones with translucent layers of oils to build the overall colour scheme. Details are added and refined as the work progresses.