Rise, 2020

Dutch metal leaf on masonite
182 x 50cm

Rise is a response to a place and moment of daily life, in a bedroom where the senses first awaken to a new day. Accompanied by the sound of birds, felt touch, smell and shifting dawn light, the textured gold and dark wooden edges of this artwork are intended to support the body and mind to gently raise from unconsciousness into waking life.

The reflected gold welcomes the sunrise into the living environment in another form. Gold references healing and the alchemy of base metals transformed into gold, as a metaphor for transformative processes in consciousness. It reflects the morning sun, and the experience of light entering awareness as it awakens from sleep. The arrangement of panels is intended to be perceived as a field where the focus moves non-hierarchically across form, light and space. The earthy wooden edges and alignment refer to an abstract feeling of clarity and connection to the material world, while the light is a reminder of freedom for the soul.

The panel proportions are based on the golden ratio to encourage a perception of belonging to nature and the body. As a whole, the aim is for this experience to disappear from the forefront of attention and merge with a deeper layer of consciousness that is about a way to balance and play.

In a socio-political climate of uncertainty, challenge and change, the intention of this work is to look inwards and towards our relationship with nature as the creative ground to face our times.