SERIES: ARMCHAIR WUNDERLUST
The desire to travel to far away places started at a young age. Going into the wilderness and getting lost gives me a sense of both freedom and fear. Having a somewhat delicate constitution has made me wary for far-flung places. However it has not stopped me dreaming about them! One way of getting my ‘adventure fix’ is to get lost in books about the expeditions and bravery of others, and the alure of the wild and remote places they have been. This has inspired me to create a series portraying the essence of those books which have left such a lasting impression, and into which I have imagined myself present.
“Tracks to Uluru”
Digital Painting | 80cm x 80cm
Based on “Tracks” by Robyn Davidson.
In 1977 Robyn set off from Alice Springs to walk solo to the Indian Ocean, 1700 miles with her dog and four camels. A remarkable journey, an exceptional person.
Limited Edition (10)
“The Moth and Ever Wrest”
Digital Painting | 80cm x 80cm
Inspired by “The Moth and the Mountain” by Ed Caesar.
Based on the extraordinary true story of Maurice Wilson, a British soldier, mystic and eccentric who believed he could be the first to climb to the top of Everest totally alone. He had no flying or mountaineering experience at the time. An incredibly sad story that has remained etched on my heart.
Limited Edition (10)
“Anna and the Lion”
Digital Painting | 80cm x 80cm
This painting is not so much about travelling to faraway places but about a book that took me on an unexpected journey. It all started when I read “The Muse” by Jessie Burton.
Part of the story is set in Spain in 1936. A Viennese art dealer and his family move to Southern Spain. The daughter Olive, who desperately wants to be an artist, gets accepted into the Slade School of Art in London. However she knows it would be deeply frowned upon by her father. To fulfill her dream, instead of travelling abroad, she secretly paints up in the attic. Olive befriends the housekeeper and her half-brother, who relate to her an old Spanish legend concerning Santa Rufina and Santa Justa. The legend has it that they were persecuted for their Christian beliefs during the period of the Roman Empire. The story has it one of the sisters was thrown down a well and the other, thrown to the lions.
As a result of hearing the legend Olive feels impelled to paint the story. The resulting artwork is a surprise even to herself. She calls it Santa Justa in the Well.
After reading the book I Googled the legend and painting. One particular image caught my eye! The painting was “Una and the Lion” by Briton Rivière. The painting instantly became one of my all time favourites. I was so influenced by it, that like Olive, I had to paint my own response.
Limited Edition (10)
