Butch Cassidy Print

The inspiration behind these paintings comes from a ‘subconscious’ drawing technique developed by the idea of ‘pareidolia’, wherein random patterns and images can be ‘pulled out’ of randomness. This inspired me to practice ‘zentangle’ drawing, wherein you cover the entirety of an artwork with patterns, images and compositional techniques with no real focus of outcome. Introducing this style of drawing to the canvas allowed for the mediums to be mixed and this is where I started thinking in layers. At first, large swashes of paint are added to establish a foundation to work off of. From there, ‘pareidolia’ is manipulated to expose patterns or elements in the painted 'structures'. Those elements are outlined, added colour to and made more prominent. In the end, the painting is a journey into the subconscious where certain foundations are ‘pulled out’ of the paint to show a connection between randomness and clarity. Each part relates to the next until it envelops the canvas with a mass of colourful intricate details. Silhouettes are then added to the centre of the paintings to add to the idea of ‘pareidolia’. The central figures are then covered with a ‘zentangle’ drawing style to show where the idea evolved from and where it is now. This particular painting's central figure is the outline of Robert Redford's character in the movie 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and has the associated meanings tied to it such as rebellion, freedom and possibility. I want people to think of the way the mind connects colour, line and shape to one another. Random patterns and images can be discovered if we dive deep into our subconsciousness especially when given stimulation. Without auditory or visual influence, ‘pareidolia’ would not exist. That’s the type of dialogue I want people to have, discussing the multitude of connections the subconscious can have in a ‘conscious’ world and how our faculties are automated to find patterns and images.