In Her Inimitable Way emerges as a heartfelt response to my personal manifesto, Manifesto of Artistic Resolve, which celebrates authenticity, self-belief, and attention to detail as guiding principles in my artistic journey. The work is a large charcoal, carbon, and graphite landscape drawing on paper depicting Bathurst Harbour in South-West Tasmania, renowned for its untouched wilderness and breathtaking beauty. In the foreground, gentle waves meet the rocky shoreline while dense bushland extends beyond the beach, its verdant foliage reaching skyward. The rugged peaks of the Western Arthurs recede into the background. Within the scene lies a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered by those who seek - the imperfect yet profound heart of nature.
Rendered in dark monochromatic tones, I aim to evoke a sense of solitude and capture a brooding intensity. Through an interplay of expressive, gestural marks and detailed work, I strive to merge meticulous detail with emotive qualities. This approach does not strive for perfection but embraces the beauty of imperfection, celebrating nature and reflecting our own inimitable qualities that define our individuality, that which is unique and cannot be imitated. The mountains, loosely drawn with expressive outlines, remain deliberately incomplete, symbolising the ever-present potential for continual growth. The drawing’s asymmetrical composition, guided by the reverse ‘S’ curve, leads the viewer’s eye on a visual journey through the scene. The use of light and shade and a subtle touch of colour accentuates the focal point of the work, the large heart found in nature, enticing the viewer to linger and contemplate its significance. This heart, imbued with personal symbolism articulated in the manifesto, serves as a powerful metaphor for self-love and the embrace of authenticity and inimitableness.
My manifesto has been a mobilising force in reshaping my creative process, empowering me to transcend self-imposed limitations, many of which I had not yet fully recognised. A fixation on precision had previously hindered my ability to expressively engage in my art. However, completing the manifesto marked a transformative moment in my artistic journey, unlocking a newfound freedom in my drawing and allowing me to transition from a controlled, representational style to one that is more intuitive and expressive. I now understand that meticulous attention to detail encompasses more than controlled representation; it also involves capturing the essence and emotion of the subject. This transformation is embodied in the work, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of meticulous attention to detail and a more expressive artistic process.
Drawing from Bruce Mau's 1998 ‘Incomplete Manifesto of Personal Growth,’ I embraced a journey of discovery, allowing my work to evolve organically. Further, Billy Childish's 1999 ‘Stuckism Manifesto’ resonated deeply with me. Though Stuckism emphasised painting, its principles guided my drawing, ensuring authenticity and human connection in my work. The constructive feedback I received during class critique sessions proved invaluable in guiding me to elucidate the symbolic significance of the gestural and incomplete outline of the receding mountains. Inspired by Tasmanian artist Martin Rek's intricate landscape drawings, I explored new materials, incorporating carbon pencil for its expressive depth. However, I encountered a challenge working with carbon pencils in achieving a full range of tonal values. Looking ahead, I aspire to hone the skills developed in this work by creating on another landscape drawing, this time employing only charcoal and graphite, aiming to fully utilise the tonal range while further exploring the interplay of detail and expression.
‘In Her Inimitable Way’ stands as a testament to the continuing transformative power of my manifesto which has enabled me to think deeply and sincerely about my creative process. Through my manifesto and this work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique qualities and find strength and in their personal artistic journey.
Rachel Wolfe
27 June 2024
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.
In Her Inimitable Way, a Reflective Artist Statement was written for assessment, Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Tasmania
FSA123 Critical Practices: Manifestos, Assessment Task 3 - Final Folio.
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