Jane Gray
502mm x 704mm
Title The Maternal Line
“The idea that you could have one singular object seems very hard to keep hold of, when things can be copied and replicated so easily.” - Mark Leckey
Art that moves me often has a personal connection either to nature or the self.
It can be challenging in use of colour, metaphor, symbolism, line or medium but provokes further thought. It is about connections to place, person or experience and explores these ideas and our common humanity. The singular object important to me includes a simple one, my maternal great-grandmothers biscuit barrel which has a place in the heart of my kitchen. I reflected on the symbolism of the heart as well as its physical nature as a vital organ. The Maternal Line explores this inherited object and genetic cardiac inheritance using imagery of the inside of the thorax and the outside of the barrel, merged together with monoprint of electrocardiogram traces from myself and my mother. Colour choices are those of the circulatory system with the addition of a golden line representing kintsugi and the strength and resilience that come from facing challenges.
I enjoy the bold lines and colour, the incorporation of ECG traces and the symbolism.
“The support of the OFCAD community has been invaluable. Freedom of expression and development of experimentation with art has been confidence enhancing. I have started to understand more about contemporary art and by understanding can see influences and references better. The final piece allowed me to experiment with imagination, using skills learned during the course, whilst considering the rigours of adhering to a set brief. Going forwards, I intend to be freer with the creative process and more confident with being less figurative.”