Doll House (version 1) Print

My work focuses on the idea of images and objects appearing innocent, but they can also be interpreted in a more sinister way. When we first look at an object or image it is already etched with our own personal meaning. That meaning is impossible to remove; it is permanently fixed in our memory. Different people will interpret the same sensory stimulus in different ways, based on who they are and the background factors that influence what they do or do not notice. I have explored this idea by questioning our sometimes romanticised and nostalgic views of the past by looking deeper into the façade of an image and uncovering what truly lies beneath is it all fun and games or is there something more sinister going on beyond first glance? I usually add colour to a mostly black and white drawing to add contrast and focus to the parts I want the viewer to look at. I also usually leave spaces blank compelling the viewer fill in the missing pieces. This ambiguity and contrast is intended to unsettle the viewer and leaves them guessing what could or might be happening in the work. Sometimes I use humour to create a reaction but it comes from the darkest end of the comic spectrum. I look at unsettling issues such as lost childhood innocents, death and misogyny, exploring these subjects by looking at found vintage imagery such as family photographs, fancy dress costumes, B – Movies, silent films and burlesque. Much of my work is focused on people wearing costumes ranging from the Easter bunny to the Bogeyman. These vintage home-made surreal looking costumes such as the Easter bunny or Polar bear give the viewer a false sense of security as they are smiling, happy and posing for a wholesome family photograph but are they what they seem or is there something hiding behind the mask. Are these fake looking monsters from the movies just harmless fiction or is there something more unsettling happening behind the scenes?