Artist Statement

My approach to painting is driven by intention and intuition coupled with a love of colour, line and pattern. Largely inspired by the natural world my work celebrates the beauty of the the ever changing vast and vibrant Australian landscape and reflects a deep connection to earth and place. Born out of my daily drawing practice and keen observations of the world around me I create larger than life images that are built up from loose lines first made with charcoal and ink, contrasted with heavy layers of oils applied with a pallette knife. These bold and vivid paintings feature heavy black organic outlines, moody skies, a  landscape inspired palette and an exaggerated off- beat perspective that at times appears to be aerial in view. I work with confidence in a loose and bold manner often reminding myself not to get too caught up in the details,  preferring to treat the canvas like one the pages out of my drawing book.

 More than just a literal representation of my surrounds, my paintings are impressionistic expressions of heart and mind that invite one to contemplate the beauty and sacredness of all of life. I often refer to them as 'Imagined Landscapes' or 'Soulscapes'  as they require me to not only bring content and inspiration from the outside world, but also from the inside place so that my ideas can be expressed  with purpose and authenticity. My story and experience of life is expressed and reflected in the everyday and through the language of the land; in the micro and macro patterns, the layers, marks and contrasts. Deep meaning is found in the common motifs I use, such as the tree, rock and blackbird; all references to the stories of my ancestral connections to the land which offer both a personal and collective interpretation. I am a sentimental and reflective person living in a constant state of awe and wonder at the world and this is what I hope to portray in my work.

"A bold painter, Jassy uses mixed media to capture her vision of the Australian landscape and its man-made interventions, highlighted is her unique sense of perspective, space and distance all in the one image"  (Editor Art/Edit Magazine)

My work is a response to the living environment that goes beyond the physical.  To paint the landscape and the world around me, whether it be the teapot on my kitchen table or the place where the river meets the sea,  requires me to seek out and explore the micro and macro patterns found in the environment, to hear it’s sounds and stories, savour its scent and to see beyond what’s directly in front of me. It is to be in relationship with place and space and to be present to the interconnectedness of all life.  Making art is my way of expressing the awe, wonder and respect I feel for the natural  world. It offers endless inspiration; from the fading light at dusk when soft pink becomes pale blue to the vibrant blue sky meeting the rich red soil and the ripples made by the sea in the sand. 

The stories of my South Sea Islander & Celtic ancestry and the world travels I embark on also influence and inspire my work greatly. These influences are clear in my paintings; from the bustling streets of Bali to the ever changing landscape of Bundaberg, to my own backyard. I am captivated by it all.

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"The land has its' own language and tells its' own story; if only we would stop long enough to listen." Jassy