Eimear Kavanagh

Artists Statement

My collection of contemporary paintings reflect an individual perception of Indian culture. Having travelled throughout parts of India I have become guided by the ideas, customs and art of its societies. These journeys have helped to develop my relationship with India in a visual and spiritual sense and therefore have dramatically influenced the direction of my artwork. The importance of these travels has been to enhance my knowledge of Indian culture - to bring me to where I am with my work today.

In my most recent trip I was captured by the little towns of the Shekhawati Region of Northern Rajasthan - the sensations experienced in the desert, the dusty and dry conditions of the road, the sandy hues and clear blue skies - silence and nothingness. What seemed to have no beginning and no end. The distant sound of jingling bells leading to the surprise meeting with nomadic tribes. Human presence within the desert – and the dazzling effect of bright, vivid print designs – costume reflecting the colour of landscape and festival.

My canvas has now become a space for my visions and memories to materialise. My aim is to re-create the atmospheres experienced in India through my paintings. In doing this, I can give my visual recollections a more concrete and tangible form. Pattern and texture are my main interests; my collection is contemporary and diverse and draws upon traditional indigenous Indian themes which reflect certain aspects of cultural life. My influence is this art and my work is very much based on this ethos.

Working in mixed media, each painting is produced by first placing layer upon layer of paper to create an interesting background texture. This is then intricately built up with pieces of metallic card, mirrors, inks, gouache paints and finally, varnishes to complete a unique, finely crafted and original piece of art. Many of the pieces of paper used in collage were collected in India (such as Indian newsprint) and the use of the tiny mirrors has been adopted from the villagers in rural Rajasthan.

Website

Website: www.eimears.co.uk

Contact

Email: sursari_art@yahoo.co.uk