Julia Cooper
The depiction of timeless
but essential kitchenware with their alluring forms is an old tradition. I find
painting still life the perfect subject with which to study form and colour
juxtaposition. Figurative elements can sometimes evaporate altogether leaving
just patches of colour.
With preferred muted
tones I work until the paintings take on a time worn character, scraping back
paint to its underlying history within the layers. I try to construct a spatial
tension and relationship between objects to create a quiet, contemplative
narrative.
The term Wabi-Sabi
represents a Japanese aesthetic and a Japanese world view. It means finding
beauty in imperfection, modesty, intimacy or austerity. I like to think of the
objects in my still life paintings akin to such an aesthetic, a bit faded and
quietly satisfying.
