Stirrings below the surface

Stirrings below the surface paper series is a continuation of my experiments with layering torn paper and paint. I used heavyweight cold-pressed watercolour paper as my primary medium. I soak and graze the works with watercolour and acrylics and subsequently bring them together with gel medium. By combining the coloured paper layers, they form an abstract landscape.

 These layered paper paintings are explorations into my emotions and memories of both conscious and unconscious imagination. On the conscious level, my intention is to make artwork that beings calm and tranquillity; however, unconsciously, I have often found that this is not the case. There is turmoil or restlessness beneath that needs to surface and present themselves in how I unconsciously handle the paper and paint. The resulting painting is not the way I imagined it should have turned out and the process becomes a learning experience of needing acceptance. By embracing the unexpected outcome, I begin to appreciate the subtle beauty that surfaces in the works. In parallel, I learn to welcome the delicate imperfections of my being.