Jemimah 2007 Painting

Art has always played a very central role in my life. From an early age I was quite sure that what I hoped to be was a painter,particularly of portraits. It sounds such a cliche to say "˜its my dream', but to be honest it really is. Painting is one of the things that makes me feel most myself. The process of making artwork helps me think and put my thoughts across in a personal way. I also beniffited from being taught by two extremely inspiring teachers. Mr Joyce, my ALevel teacher made painting feel like second nature to me. He supported and challenged mr in equal measure. Which is quite a feat, as I was quite a rebellious teen! My university tutor Hayden Cotton reinforced this foundation of teaching. His influence enabled me to be far more courageous in my work , taking an ownership over what I was painting. Pursuing this career does often come at a price financially and emotionally . Rejection being something you have to steady yourself against. However i can honestly say the rewards out way the drawbacks. Its such a privilage to be able to do something i love passionately for a job . My two main sources of inspiration are painters Chuck Close and Caravaggio. I have always admired Close's work, both early and late. The technical skill and scale of his work gives it an emotional impact that has always struck me. I am equally inspired by the progression of his work. Close was forced to move away from his early, tight realism due to extreme ill health, however he managed find a new way of expression, that, although more abstracted, had equal the ascetic strength and meaning as his original way of working I find this move shows a mass of bravery and ability which is so commendable. The depth of richness to Caravaggio's work draws me in. I find i can look at his paintings over and over and each time, see new dimensions to the work. The way he uses light is something I have studied quite intensely. He appears to almost paint with light, using it as a tool for expression.This has been a major influence for me, I have found light is a theme I find myself revisiting in nearly all my work. There is so much that can be said and emphasised through it. If i were to sum up my hope for my work, it would be that the paintings are in some way a celebration of the subject. When i paint my aim always is to try and tap into the essence of what I am studying .