Swan

2022
Mixed media on board
150cm x 189cm

This painting was basically a maths quiz for me. Trying to develop balance and symmetry of shapes and shadows. Thinking about what layer goes over what and how to elevate the the individual forms. Not many sleepless nights, but certainly a couple trying to figure out what the hell I’m doing and then hopefully I’ll do it the right way.

It’s called swan because I was reflecting on the story of the ugly duckling. I’ve used and assembled scrap, discarded timber and board that’s been left outside. Lovely weathered and worn, with random spray paint and forgotten markings. So like when the duckling grew into a swan, hopefully this piece achieves some beauty and grace from a rather rumpled beginning.

Every decision looks to the idea of a black swan. The black plumage, wings separating to fly, the red bill with the white tip all while resting on a pool of water.

It’s all there.