Through my arts practice, I explore escaping excessive consumerism and consciously focusing on more meaningful aspects of life. In the still life painting Embracing Ichigo Ichie, rather than the objects being an extension of oneself, I celebrate an unassuming moment through the objects depicted. My intention was to capture the essence of the now, prompting the viewer to consider that all moments are fleeting and therefore should be savoured before it is lost forever.
The oil painting captures a lone diner pausing their busy day to enjoy lunch, occupying the sole available seat in the restaurant nestled by the corner window. The ‘Z’ shaped composition guides the viewer’s gaze across the canvas. Outside the window is a red car parked on the street which serves as a metaphor which reminds us that life gets hectic. The table arrangement and meal on the bench are devoid of ornamentation or fuss, allowing the sensory experience of the food to be the focus. My process involved using a filbert brush to map out the shapes of the composition on a mid-tone acrylic ground. After blocking in the dark and light tones I added an acrylic colour wash. I then worked in oils, layering paint to capture the details, shadows, glazing and highlights. Through the complimentary colour scheme of purple and yellow-orange and application of glazing I aimed to evoke a lush atmosphere that mirrors the abundance and richness of life’s experiences.
The work of American artist Wayne Thiebaud has been influential, particularly his ability to elicit an immediate sensual response through his depictions of food. Thiebaud skillfully employs warm and cool complementary colours to capture the interplay of light and shadow, creating a striking contrast against the lighter background.
Additionally, I draw inspiration from the painterly brushstrokes of my TAFE art teacher, contemporary Australian Artist Andrea Huelin, who recently won the Archibald Packing Room Prize 2023 for her painting Crown Jewels. In my art journal from 2020, I made noted of Huelin’s advice regarding brushstrokes: “Don’t be too fussy … vary the brushstrokes and don’t be predictable … be thoughtful in some parts and mad in other parts … make good confident marks and do the final detail in one motion … keep some of the effortless marks created in the process.”
With this guidance in mind, I strive to embrace a more painterly approach, freeing myself from the constraints of precision that hinder the energy in my paintings. It was frustrating to encounter challenges with the shadows, leading to multiple repainting attempts and the need to rework the surrounding area. Although the study helped refine the composition, my eagerness and impatience led me to rush into the main painting. Taking more time with the study would have allowed me to address some of the issues that arose, particularly concerning the shadows. Valuable feedback prompted me to question the inclusion of the car and delve deeper into the message I intended to convey, resulting in an artwork that is more meaningful.
Rachel Wolfe
24 May 2023
IMAGE SOURCE:
•‘Buffet’, photograph, viewed 12 May 2023, <https://www.artdex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Wayne-Thiebaud-Buffet-1972-75.png>
•‘Green Apple, Lemon and Glass’, photograph, viewed 10 May 2023, <https://www.andreahuelin.com/new-still-life-paintings#no2>
Rachel Wolfe is an emerging artist based in Hobart, Tasmania, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania. With a diverse and evolving practice, Rachel explores various mediums and techniques to create captivating and thought-provoking works of art. To explore Rachel's latest projects and artistic journey, visit her website www.rachelwolfe.com.au or follow her on social media.
Embracing Ichigo Ichie was written for Assessment, Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Tasmania, Subject: FSP111 Painting, Assessment Task 3: Final Project and Reflective Artist Statement
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