Final year project
Escape [Read more]
Eden
This piece is synonymous with escaping the reality and difficulties of urban life and returning to the natural world through means of imagination, therefore establishing a lost Eden where mankind is integrated with the environment. For the composition I took inspiration from Eve picking the apple in the ‘Garden of Eden’ in order to further resonate the idea of Eden being lost to mankind. I then replaced the apple with a flower to signify a reconnection with nature. To further convey the idea of a dream-like atmosphere I created a dappled effect on the skin from the light that is shining through the canopy of trees and enhanced the colour palette so the green and yellows that surround the figure appear to glow with life and growth. The figure is a life size self portrait of myself to further create the illusion of holding up mirror to society and creating a reflection showing the alternate reality of escapism.
Escape
Further exploring the capture of the imagination and ideas of escape I created a series of double exposure images, the first with a figure and the trees melded into one form, creating a connection between the two, and the illusion of escaping reality. By doing so I hope to create a dream like quality with the trees that overlay the self-portrait being from the woodlands nearby where I live, once again relating to the ideas of childhood and nostalgia. The way the trees overlay the face creates the subtle appearance of being locked inside and longing to be outside.
Tinted glasses
Using the same effect, I overlaid flowers from a garden over my own face to generate an image with the same dream-like qualities of the previous one. I integrated insects into this piece to further convey a connection to nature and used bright colours of yellow and orange to represent spring colours and being outside in the warmth of the sun.
Rose
Nature is often overlooked and disregarded when it begins shrivel and decay, so by recreating elements of nature on a larger scale it implies importance and beauty, changing the perception of the subject in question. Through the medium of paint, I managed to capture the period between life and death and the beauty that this change over time brings with it.
Leaf
Homesick
Exploring the vulnerabilities one faces when experiencing homesickness.
Eve Smith
My work explores the themes and ideas that encompass a return to nature in order to escape the complex stresses of modern life.
Through the medium of paint, I have explored the romantic theme of escapism, discovering a way of returning to nature and evading the complex modernity of urban life, something that is particularly relevant in these unorthodox times. I have been influenced heavily by the romantic movement which fundamentally focuses on an escape from reality through the recovery of a lost childhood and a lost Eden which brings a feeling of nostalgia, linking to childhood memories of a freedom to escape into the wilderness. This association brings with it the thoughts and feeling of past experiences, therefore creating a universal home.
To look at a lake or walk in the woods makes us feel relaxed and nourishes the soul, restoring and preserving our mental health. Nature is not just important for the wildlife that lives in it but for our own wellbeing and there is a desire to protect green spaces in order in walk amongst them and experience solitude. Throughout this project I have explored how to represent these experiences in the form of expressive art. This project has enabled me to reflect on the nature that I associate with home and more simpler times, allowing me to reconnect with the environment and mend a relationship that often feels lost. It is evident that the contemplation of both art and nature is necessary for our own mental health and I hope to capture theses emotions through my work.
Dissertation
The legacy of romanticism in contemporary ecological art
Final year project
Escape
Awards
Making a Mark, The manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry