21 February 2025

“Forest Edge”, 2021

James Brown

“Forest Edge”, 2021

Oil with pastel on canvas

Size: 50 x 50 cm

While the title of this painting aptly captures my intention to depict the natural edge of a forest, it conveys far more than a mere visual representation. The forest edge portrayed here transcends a simple line of trees seen from a straightforward viewpoint. Instead, it hints at a deeper narrative, with the boundary of the forest lying just beyond the viewer’s gaze, defined by the local river that has carved a natural break in the trees. This suggestion of a river boundary is subtly indicated by the blue hues peeking between the trunks.

Beyond this naturally occurring line in the forest, another significant element influences the painting. At the time of its creation, I found myself engulfed by a profound sense of anxiety that seemed to come from nowhere, and I sought to capture that elusive internal feeling of apprehension and dread. Through a blend of calculation and intuition, my brushstrokes embody this emotional turmoil: short, thick, multidirectional strokes evoke a sense of chaos, layered meticulously to create complexity. In contrast, the flowing, longer dark lines surrounding the tree forms act like vibrations, echoing the agitation within me.











No comments:

Post a Comment