Fire Within Painting

Dahlia flowers are the main surface subject matter for the development of this exploration. 'Beyond the Dahlia Flower' is a collection of works that depict the exploration of emotional and psychological states. My oil paintings on canvas portray close up, detailed perspectives of Dahlia flowers with a strong emphasis and focus on each individual petal. The dense network of Dahlia flowers have many broken down layers that evoke a strong thematic representation of my personal vision and perception on life. I want the viewer to feel emotionally connected as if they are in their own world for that moment. Everything else around them fades and the euphoric feeling of my paintings encapsulates them. For me, Dahlia flowers represent growth, beauty and create a magnetic connection with a suggestion of tranquility and calmness. This oil painting consists of warm hues of orange, yellow ochre and brown tones that represent earthly elements. The intention is to convey strong, powerful emotions that signify a driving force for positivity, motivation and completion of life goals. The directional composition of the these colours, in my eyes, take me back to nature. Each brush stroke technique is tonal, fluid and intricately blended to create depth and perspective. The contrast colours of dark and light tones within my paintings are applied in a particular manner to symobolise our ever-changing subconscious minds. Not one path is perfect, we are meant to have highs and lows – this makes us who we are. Our identity is constantly evolving, our emotional and mental states develop and adapt after experiencing life’s challenges, defeats and achievements. The key symbolism for this exhibition is inspired by my interpretation of an evolving journey and life cycle from start to finish and to show a true appreciation of our living existence.