-Exploring Dark Art-

 

I’m often asked why I paint dark, gloomy canvases. While these kinds of paintings frequently evoke strong emotions and can be perceived as expressions of sadness and solitude, I think it’s important to challenge the stigma that the artists behind these works are usually dark, sad, and unhappy people.

I create this kind of work to explore a wide range of emotions and themes, not because it reflects my current emotional state. My black, sinister-looking paintings may delve into themes of mortality, existential questions, or critiques about society. These themes require layers of depth and complexity, and over the years, I’ve become comfortable producing this kind of work without necessarily experiencing the sentiments they depict.

 

Therapeutic Process and Creative Catharsis

For me, creating art is a therapeutic process. Engaging with intense themes allows me to process and externalize emotions in a creative, cathartic way. It’s much like writing a poem, composing a song, or playing an instrument. The act of creating becomes a form of emotional release, a way to navigate through complex feelings without being consumed by them.

 

Physical Performance and Artistic Journey

My art is also a physical performance: the scraping, splashing, wiping, and gouging. I’m almost always exhausted after a session in my studio. This physical exertion is part of my creative journey and not a reflection of my mental health. The vigorous process of creating these pieces is a testament to my dedication to the craft, not an indication of personal turmoil.

Head Full of Ghosts

Mixed media on canvas

1000mm x 1000mm

Juxtaposing Light and Dark Themes

By juxtaposing light and dark themes, I’m able to create a dynamic, compelling range of work and emotions. This often offers the viewer a fuller range of visual engagement. A dark piece might resonate with someone on a deep, personal level, leading them to assume that the artist shares similar feelings. This projection is more about the viewer’s interpretation than the artist’s intent or emotional state.

 

Moving Beyond the Stigma

In conclusion, the assumption that artists who create dark and moody paintings are inherently sad and depressed overlooks the complexity of artistic expression. My work is the result of hours of labor, layers of color, emotional processing, and creative experimentation. By moving beyond this stigma, we can begin to appreciate the richness and depth that this kind of art brings to the artistic landscape.

The darkness in my art often illuminates the human experience, and my light usually shines brightest through the creative process. Embracing this complexity allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the myriad ways artists convey the vast spectrum of human emotion.

 

Thank you for joining me in exploring dark art. Remember, the shadows are just as important as the light in creating a complete and compelling narrative.

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Exploring Abstraction: Techniques and Insights

When clients step into my gallery, one of the questions that often arises is about the abstraction in my artwork—how I achieve it and what processes I follow. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and share with you some of the techniques I employ when facing a blank canvas.

 

Initial Vision and Preparation

Before I even touch a brush or any other tool, I have a rough idea of the colors I intend to use. This initial concept guides my journey, though it remains flexible as I progress. Drawing inspiration from photographs and elements of the scene, I delve into the principles of abstract art. As I typically paint sea and landscapes, I begin with those individual elements first, aiming to capture the essence of the final result rather than its exact form. Music is essential throughout this creative process—it’s a non-negotiable part of my environment, influencing and enhancing the symbiosis between my art and the melodies that fill the space. Whether it’s electronica pulsing or the raw energy of Marilyn Manson, the music sets a rhythm that drives my artistic expression.

 

Unconventional Methods and Creative Freedom

I don’t follow the rules at all; my process lacks order. I rarely use a brush, preferring instead to mix oil and water, and make marks with unconventional tools like rags, sponges, even my fingernails. My approach is frenetic, almost hurried. At this stage, I never consider the canvas having a top or bottom. I step back frequently, viewing it from a distance, akin to chefs tasting their dishes during preparation—the tasting phase.

Building Depth and Substance

Layering colors endlessly isn’t a concern; the canvas needs substance. The more added, the more substantial it grows. Retain what works, remove what doesn’t. Remember, there are no mistakes in abstract artwork—it’s yours to own.

 

Crucial Techniques and Advice

A crucial piece of advice: paint from your shoulder, not your wrist. Practice this, making your arm an extension of your paintbrush.

 

Final Touches and Reflection

For the final stage, I bring everything together with minimal adjustments to the mediums on the canvas. This might involve adding simple, thin lines using charcoal or a fine brush.

 

Embrace the Journey

Most importantly, enjoy the process. There are no mistakes to be made. Abstract art is about exploration, experimentation, and embracing the unexpected. It’s about finding your unique voice and expressing it boldly on the canvas.

 

Conclusion

Creating abstract art is not merely about painting; it’s a journey of exploration and discovery. It’s about embracing the unknown, pushing boundaries, and finding beauty in unconventional forms. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or an admirer of art, I encourage you to approach abstraction with an open mind. Let music guide your brushstrokes, let experimentation shape your technique, and let the canvas be your playground of infinite possibilities. In the end, abstract art is not just about what you see—it’s about what you feel and how it resonates within you.

 

—so go ahead, and paint your story.