Artist Statement
Something fragmented or discarded means it has the potential for being re-purposed and emerge into a new existence through art, and so the same can be said of ourselves. My collection aims to explore how reminiscing over memories of loved ones or nostalgic objects that encapsulate emotions of joy and loss can lead to the desire of alterations. Through this, I discovered the motivation to transfer that longing into art. In the process, I learned to apply a critical lens to the application of such concepts, identification, function and purpose, not solely of ourselves, but also used and discarded waste, such as balloons. We live in a society where the recycling of goods alleviates our guilt over mass consumption. Through self-reflection, I am aware of my own ignorance and consumption practices, it is this that has driven me to look at my own dissipation or waste, physically and emotionally, and discover new purpose and identity as a medium in art. Despite being dichotomous of one another, reminiscing and re-identification of one’s self can also begin to transfer our subjective definition of objects.
To capture these themes, I am on an expedition of eccentric mark making from the use of multiple mediums and tools, from charcoal, acrylic, oil, pastels, found and reusable objects, such as balloons. My impasto style paintings are done only using varying pallet knifes, and in other pieces, the use of forearms, palms and fingers create desired textures. In addition, I use strong contrasting and complimentary colours fixated against a subtle and calm emotional undertone to evoke a sense of emotion from the viewer. A guiding principle in my process is to emancipate my ego from the end product. I have learned that allowing a sense of freedom with direction will often result in new risks and discoveries, which in turn evokes a sense of curiosity, and sometimes a sense of surprise for the viewer and myself. My creative process has been described as sculptural-like, in that I build upon layers slowly, allowing the artwork to drive the direction of completion.
To capture these themes, I am on an expedition of eccentric mark making from the use of multiple mediums and tools, from charcoal, acrylic, oil, pastels, found and reusable objects, such as balloons. My impasto style paintings are done only using varying pallet knifes, and in other pieces, the use of forearms, palms and fingers create desired textures. In addition, I use strong contrasting and complimentary colours fixated against a subtle and calm emotional undertone to evoke a sense of emotion from the viewer. A guiding principle in my process is to emancipate my ego from the end product. I have learned that allowing a sense of freedom with direction will often result in new risks and discoveries, which in turn evokes a sense of curiosity, and sometimes a sense of surprise for the viewer and myself. My creative process has been described as sculptural-like, in that I build upon layers slowly, allowing the artwork to drive the direction of completion.
Bio
I, Jessica CRAIG, am an emerging Mixed Media contemporary artist, born and raised in Greater Vancouver. My passion for painting has always been deep-rooted throughout my life; however, more recently, the pursuit to give my artistic endeavors breathe, voice and a stage has been a more recent, prioritized ambition. I am inspired to capture emotional and societal dichotomies that exist within ourselves, socially and environmentally. This inquiry is motivated by a career in advocacy and prior education in Sociology which have laid a foundation of personal reflection and societal inquiry. As side from pursuing my art career, I work part-time as an Outreach Nurse in the Downtown Eastside. It is there that I am inspired as artists by stories of perseverance, compassion, and rawness.
I pull inspiration from a range of mostly Canadian artists, such as Andrew Salgado with his use of found objects, self-inquiry and strong colours. M.E Sparks, a local artist, as one of my instructors at Emily Carr University, she inspired me with her use of recycling and repurpose art into new creations. Janna Watson, her paintings capture language and emotions without the use of any words through powerful gestural marks and composition of colours. As for non-Canadian artists, Bansky for their use of political satire and humor in the form of street art to ignite critical thought, laughter and approachability. Frank Auerbach, a German artist, inspires my work through his integration of realism and abstraction, along with his bold gestural marks and impasto sculptural-like paintings.
I pull inspiration from a range of mostly Canadian artists, such as Andrew Salgado with his use of found objects, self-inquiry and strong colours. M.E Sparks, a local artist, as one of my instructors at Emily Carr University, she inspired me with her use of recycling and repurpose art into new creations. Janna Watson, her paintings capture language and emotions without the use of any words through powerful gestural marks and composition of colours. As for non-Canadian artists, Bansky for their use of political satire and humor in the form of street art to ignite critical thought, laughter and approachability. Frank Auerbach, a German artist, inspires my work through his integration of realism and abstraction, along with his bold gestural marks and impasto sculptural-like paintings.
