Summer People
This is a mixed-media project I started back in 2017, during my endless summer journey , where I chased the sun across Australia for a year. What began as simple beach sketches evolved into playful, Instagram-inspired 20x20cm square canvases. In our digital age, most images are viewed fleetingly on platforms like Instagram. By transferring this familiar square format to physical canvases, I invite viewers to pause and truly engage with the artwork.
Observing the prevalence of fluorescent colors in beach attire, I incorporated vibrant acrylic paints against backgrounds of classic coastal hues: sky blue, deep ocean blue, viridian, and creamy sand tones. The figures are intentionally left blank and anonymous, symbolizing the beach's cyclical nature - bustling in summer, empty in winter. To emphasize the spontaneous, hand-drawn quality of the pieces, I added linework using Indian ink applied with a handmade reed pen. This final touch brings a sense of whimsy and authenticity to each canvas.
This project blends traditional artistic techniques with modern visual culture, capturing the essence of Australian beach life in a format that resonates with our contemporary viewing habits.
The Lockdown Summers
During the COVID-19 pandemic, stringent social distancing measures, including Melbourne's infamous "ring of steel," severely restricted beach access in 2020 and 2021. Even as late as Christmas 2021, visitor numbers remained significantly lower than usual.
Yet, nature persevered. The beaches and their ecosystems continued to thrive, perhaps even flourishing in our absence. While people were physically absent, their spiritual connection to these coastal havens endured.
This unique circumstance inspired a shift in my artistic approach. I revisited the familiar beachscapes, but with a twist: instead of depicting anonymous black figures, I chose to represent the missing beachgoers as ethereal white outlines. These spectral forms serve as a poignant reminder of our temporary absence and enduring bond with these beloved spaces.
Back to the Beach
The coastal fringe where land meets sea holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. As an artist who finds joy in outdoor painting and sketching, the beach provides me with endless inspiration. This ongoing sketching collection/project focuses on capturing those moments of creative spark rather than presenting polished, final pieces.
