Shane Cannon, Series 4, Interstellar Disco Octopus Print

My name is Shane Cannon and I am a Professional Visual Artist based on Achill Island in Co, Mayo. Since graduating in 2008 I have produced 4 full bodies of work ranging in sizes of between 20 to 30 pieces each. Themes included: ----------------------------Series 1---------------------------- The nature of water and human emotional interaction with water (2 years). This was informed though my life long relationship with the sea and also with paint . Working extremely wet with paint allowed me to create images that capture the nature of water in terms of form and using colour allowed me to express how I have emotionally interacted with water. Emotions ranging from near death, sheer exhilaration and that other worldliness found on the sea bed. Once the image was complete I would photograph it, these images became the art work. Not needing the piece to dry opened up a world of artistic expression to me at that time. -----------------------------Series 2---------------------------- Abstracting the familiar (8 months). Sparked by my return to Achill Island this mostly consisted of painting boulders on the shore and photographing the effect this had on these extremely scenic views. I was seeing the island with fresh eyes again and I think I wanted to share this experience with other local people who might have become accustomed to these views over time. There was an element of social engagement to this process. I feel it important to note the boulders were painted with water based paints while the tide was out, and were washed clean once the tide came in. -------------------------Series 3------------------------------ Visual Rhythm and Emotional Resonance (1 year ). An exercise in exploration of visual theory/language and personal emotional growth. I set myself a strict routine Monday to Friday of painting, mixed with a healthy diet, surfing and exercising. The idea being that artistically I could paint using colours, lines and boxes to create an image that took the viewer on a journey, taking their eye through a number of visual check points forming a visual pattern, through this a rhythm could be created visually. Through this rhythm, my emotional state at the time would resonate. I was living my life in a way that this would be an extremely positive state that would have a positive impact on the people living with the painting. The process empowered my intuition as a painter, allowing me in a way to paint as a child again.