Artist Statement

For many years, my work has focused on representational subject matter.  Painting objects from life comes automatically to me as I perceive the objects and conditions around me every day. I take great joy in watching things such as plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables grow. Like so many things, vegetation and human life are trapped in a life cycle and are forever changing. These organic subjects are reoccurring themes in my work.

The art works in this show are all oil paint, in which I explore the effects of colour and light on growth in nature.  The seed which is the main subject of these works is representational of the beginnings of all life. It is the beginning of plant life and of human life. It represents food and life, the connection between the two is crucial for existence.  Society in general has a large disconnect between our food supply and foods actual origin.  Think about, what non-food things that people eat everyday and think it is food.  This processed food epidemic is making people horribly ill.  This introspection may help people re-examine things they see and eat on a daily basis.

The choice of intense colour and large scale is meant to enshrine the seeds to glorify the importance. The end results hope to be modern and interesting images that strive to engage the viewer. 

All this said; I do not like to put too many ideas about the artwork into people’s thoughts. I like people to enjoy the art work, for what they see and how that connects with their own experiences.

Enjoy the Show, Darlene Teahen