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Bridging the disconnection
A series of explorative paintings that address a transitional process, one bridged from disconnection to reconnection.
History
1994
Unwittingly my practise has in some ways continued from where I left off 30 years ago after graduating from the Nottingham Trent University. For my degree thesis I examined the notion that narrative could be implied through missing information. I explored work by Mark Rothco, Robert Ryman and Agnus Martin. My painting at that time examined how abstraction and simplification created an altered visual language that physical effected both the space within and around itself.
2024
Today my work focuses on exploring the residing energy of what it means to stand within, or ground myself in the landscape. To become an intrinsic element of that landscape where there are no fractures or separation. I'm still interested in the principles of altered space. However, visually there is perhaps an unconscious bias towards folk art as I incorporate monolithic human forms and naive decorative elements. Reconnecting myself through my art practise to both a physical and mental space.
Title: Abbey | Oil & Raw Pigment on Canvas Board | 50 x 50 cm
Title: In the Garden | Oil & Raw Pigment on Canvas Board | 50 x 50 cm
The Painting Process
I work in both watercolour and water-soluble oil paint to which I add additional ground pigment. The alchemy of using ground pigment, water and oil creates a fusion of earthly elements that underpin the narrative and visceral qualities I embrace for my canvas based work.
As I paint, I discover shapes within shapes, pockets of newly created space within space and a quiet narrative that gathers between the lines as energy flows.
Sarah Gardner 2024
Title: Untitled Studies | Oil & Raw Pigment on Canvas Board | 30cm x 41cm
Seeing Beyond the Narrative
Whilst each of my paintings depicts a monolithic, statuesque like figure she is far from frozen. Her presence anchors her, roots her within the composition. With grace and perhaps an angelic quality her eyes often remain closed, she does not need to see her surroundings to be connected, she does not need to witness her own story to be part of it. Framed by naive depictions of whimsical birds, flora and fauna her energy is woven into the tapestry of a collective energy, one that is both spiritual and metaphysical.
Sarah Gardner 2024
Title: The Rising | Watercolour & Gauche on Paper | 56cm x76cm
Title: Sisters of the Hinterland | Watercolour on Paper | 56cm x 76cm
Title: Sisters of the Spring Mother | Watercolour on Paper | 56cm x 76cm
Title: Mother Within | Watercolour & Gauche on Paper | 56cm x 76cm
Title: Exiting the Forest | Watercolour on Paper | 30cm x 40cm
Title: Home Tree | Oil & Raw Pigment Canvas | 60cm x 90cm
Neurodivergence and a Sketchbook
As a neurodivergent adult my sketchbook practice has become instrumental in navigating a path to freedom for ideas. Sometimes I scribble, create coloured patterns or desire just to see paint bleed together! On other days there are fragments of ideas. I don't over think my sketchbook work. I don't pre draw or plan I just do them. They're are my sketches. They're created in the moment, not to an outside stimulant like a landscape, but to an internal landscape. The one that's wild and untamed.
My sketchbook painting create valuable references for larger work whilst also providing me with a quick creative outlet for instant gratification of ideas, colour and form.
Sarah Gardner 2024
Various sketchbook studies in Watercolour. Ideas of energy rising from the Self or Mother.
Various sketchbook studies in Watercolour & Pigment
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