Acrylic on canvas
Signed on the front.
AlwaysNever2 is part of a project I started in March 2024. The project: AlwaysNever, was conceived when I was applying for the Blacktown Arts Artist Grant. It germinated from a simple yet profound premise: “You always take my money, but you never see me”. This is how I feel about Art Prize judges and curators. I have entered 8 paintings into Art Prize competitions in recent years, and not one painting has been accepted (hung). All I yearn for is the validation of being recognized as a professional artist, able to sustain myself solely through my craft.
It's a bitter pill to swallow!
I understand that art is subjective, but it's tough not to feel discouraged. Time and again, pieces I deem mediocre, or worse, overshadow mine. At 64, time feels like it's slipping away, and age might be a factor in not getting noticed. It seems like younger or marginalized artists get more attention.
In the corporate world, perhaps a mature, white male wields all the keys, but in the realm of art, the landscape is vastly different.
AlwaysNever is my response to rejection. For this project, I'm focusing on incorporating my identity, especially as a signwriter. I'm using hand-carved PVC stencils and Australian themes to tell my story. I'm also including words from the English language, and Dhurag, the indigenous language of Blacktown, to connect my art with my everyday life.
English text...
Always | Never.
Dhurag text…
Budyari (good), embodying the essence of high-quality artworks | Biyal (no), echoing the resounding sting of rejection | Gulah (angry), a raw manifestation of frustration | Yanu (goodbye), a poignant acknowledgment of time's relentless march.
ABSTRACTION: This is not considered an accurate representation of the world around us. Basically, it uses colour, forms, and gestural mark-making to convey the artist’s interpretation or vision. Abstraction is used to convey a story or evoke a feeling. There is a myriad of different ways to approach abstraction in painting and I have developed a few distinct or unique styles. Using PVC hand-carved stencils is my latest technique!