The Now on My Odyssey, Series captures my experience of the present moment on my journey as a visual artist. For I am now studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the School of Creative Arts which is situated in the historic Hunter Street IXL jam factory buildings in Hobart, Tasmania.
The series consists of 3 large works created with woodblock print, acrylic, collage and graphite on paper. The woodblock is an architectural image of the exterior of the historic buildings from ground level perspective. Layered within the architectural imagery is a stencil outline of a female factory worker from the manufacturing years in the buildings. Within the stencil outline is a graphite self-portrait in which I am drawing and painting in the School of Creative Arts now situated within the buildings.
The works were created following an exploration of the site in which I was drawn to the quirky doors and enclosed arches from a bygone era. During my observational drawings I was struck by the atmosphere around me. I employed by senses and noticed the sound of the seagulls, the smell of the seafood, the taste of salt in the air. I observed the richness of life and realised that the doors and arches were merely gateways leading me to the here and now. I continued my walk along Hunter Street towards the art studio and towards my future.
After mind mapping, I placed a piece of paper on the floor of the drawing studio and worked loosely and energetically with a long stick dipped in black ink. I employed my senses and entered into a meditative state and a deeper experience of the present moment. I looked up and saw my reflection in the mirror on the wall. Through relinquishing control and interacting with the world around me I was in a flow state of being and my creativity magically released.
The cutting of the large piece of marine ply was gruelling and I rubbed my knuckle on the wood and my palm on the handle of the woodcut knife until I bled. I continued with my exploration of blind drawings for the stencil outline of the factory worker. The body of the graphite self-portrait is a gestural line drawing whilst the face is a tonal drawing. The complementary colours of orange and blue heighten the expression of my feelings of inspiration and creativity. I played with iterations of colour and collage and whilst understanding that I have a compulsion to overwork, I was conscious to recognise the moment to stop. The works are an expression of how I feel attending the School of Creative Arts: I feel inspired, grateful and a part of history.
In creating the works, I was inspired by the architectural drawings of contemporary Australian artist Jude Rae in which she creates an immersive experience for the viewer. I was also inspired by the works of contemporary UK artist Nina Fraser who uses collage and stencil outlines of figures as a channel of communication. The trials of colour were inspired by Joself Albers and my own experience and relationship to colours.
In my arts practice I am drawn to creating figurative and portraiture art and I aim to create meaningful art which is more than just a mere representation of a person’s external appearance. People are complex and life is multilayered. I am excited to continue developing and exploring these print making and drawing processes to create meaningful art which is an expression of a person’s experiences, feelings and their life journey.
Rachel Wolfe
14 October 2022
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.
Now on My Odyssey, Series was written for assessment Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Tasmania, Subject: FSD112 Printmaking & Drawing, Assessment Task 3: Support Work (Artist Statement)
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