‘Forever Altered’ is a series of paintings depicting people who have had an influence on my life. I started with an initial idea that I wanted to create large abstract pieces and went on to ask the people closest to me what they thought made me unique. From the answers I received I realised that what made me unique was them, and the impact they have had on me, so I decided to dedicate my first solo exhibition to these people.
The paintings were created using acrylic paint and spray paint on canvas. Using abstract techniques and stencils to form the desired effect. From photographs of each individual I made the face stencils which were sprayed onto the canvas and added to using acrylic paint and POSCA pens. Within the paintings I used colours that represented thoughts and feelings about each individual and whist creating listened to music that made me think of them. Expressing myself through the medium of paint in this way is a passion of mine and feeling the work I am creating is very important to me.
There are many artists that inspire me and I get a lot of pleasure from many kinds of large abstract works. A particular favourite of mine growing up was Georgia Okeffe, as I too love to paint flowers. I also love the way Egon Schiele depicted people and the way he used paint within his work. Many kids of street art and related techniques also inspires me and has had a huge influence on my work.
I am a full time community and freelance artist and have been working in this field for around 14 years. I work predominantly with young people enabling them to find their creative voice, develop their passion and express themselves through the medium of art. Enabling others to discover joy through the arts is an enormous passion of mine and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Because of my working practice I have knowledge and skills within a number of mediums and art forms and often describe myself as a jack of all trades. I was difficult to decide what art form I wanted to use for my first solo exhibition. I settled on an abstract painting and street art cross over style and have enjoyed working in this way immensely.
I rent a studio space at West Studios and have been there for just over a year. I am always helping others to create and putting on exhibitions for a range of groups, so I decided that it was about time I did my own solo exhibition. It is a great space with wonderful creative people and is the perfect location for me.
Please check out my community work on my website and social media:
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @luciemaycockart
