The Leaden Echo, Oil on Canvas, 2011
The Leaden Echo is a painting that explores the theme of transience through the lens of memory and the human experience. The figure in the painting is caught in a moment of contemplation, gazing upwards as if lost in thought. The muted tones of white and blue create a dream-like atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia and impermanence. The shadow behind the figure suggests the passing of time and the idea that our memories are constantly in motion, changing and shifting as we move forward. The title references a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which is a meditation on the beauty and transience of the natural world, and on the human desire for something beyond the material realm. Through this painting, I hope to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience, and encourage the viewer to reflect on their own fleeting moments of existence.
Fleet, Oil on canvas, 2011
"Fleet" is a self-portrait that explores the theme of transience and the fleeting nature of human existence. The figure in the painting appears to be side-stepping, captured in a moment of movement that suggests the transitory nature of our lives. The use of a blurred effect enhances this sense of ephemerality, while the bright red jumper worn by the figure contrasts with the muted tones of the background, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject. The title references a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo," which reflects on the beauty and transience of the natural world and the desire for something beyond the material realm. Through this painting, I seek to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience, and encourage the viewer to reflect on the fleeting moments of existence that shape our lives.
This artwork was a finalist for the $50,000 Metro Art Prize for emerging artists, and reflects my ongoing exploration of the themes of transience, mortality, and the search for meaning in life
Beauty’s self and Beauty’s giver, Oil on Canvas, 2011
Beauty's self and Beauty's giver" is a painting that captures a moment of intense emotion and intimacy between two individuals. The figures in the painting are caught in motion, as if they are moving towards each other in a blur of energy and desire. The use of soft brushstrokes and muted tones creates a dream-like atmosphere, emphasizing the transience and ephemerality of the moment. The title of the painting is inspired by a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, which explores the idea of beauty as both a reflection of the self and a gift to others. Through this painting, I hope to evoke a sense of the complexity and richness of human relationships, and to encourage the viewer to contemplate the power of beauty in our lives.
Beauty In The Ghost, Oil On Canvas, 2011
"Beauty In The Ghost" is an exploration of transience and memory through the lens of the human experience. In this painting, a girl is caught in motion as she raises her head from below. The soft, muted colors and intentionally blurred image create a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia and impermanence. The figure's pose suggests a moment of self-reflection or contemplation, inviting the viewer to join in this introspective mood. The title is taken from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem, "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo," which speaks to the fleeting nature of beauty and the human desire to capture and preserve it. Through this painting, I aim to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience, and encourage the viewer to reflect on their own moments of transience and memory.
Wisdom is Early to Despair, Oil on Canvas, 2011
Wisdom is early to despair is an artwork that captures the emotional turmoil of rejection and the dark side of love. The blurred figures suggest rapid movement and struggle, as if caught in a moment of intense conflict. The muted tones and intentional blurriness of the painting create a dream-like atmosphere that invites the viewer to explore the complexity of human emotions. The title is a reference to a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo," which explores the transience of beauty and the fleeting nature of human existence. Through this painting, I aim to evoke the complexity and contradictions of human relationships, and encourage the viewer to contemplate the fragility and beauty of life.
Somewhere elsewhere, Oil on Canvas, 2011
Somewhere Elsewhere is a vibrant and colourful artwork that captures the essence of youth and the beauty of the human spirit. The figure in the painting is a young woman, caught in a moment of contemplation as she gazes upwards, her eyes fixed on something beyond the frame. The bright blue background and yellow T-shirt evoke a sense of vitality and energy, while the natural expression on her face conveys a sense of wonder and curiosity. Through this painting, I aim to capture the essence of youth and the unbridled potential that lies within us all.
Fleece of beauty, Oil on Canvas, 2011
Fleece of Beauty is a dynamic and energetic artwork that explores the theme of motion and change. The same figure from Somewhere Elsewhere is depicted here, but in a state of rapid movement, as if caught in a blur of motion. The bright colours and bold brushstrokes create a sense of urgency and dynamism, while the distorted image of the figure suggests the impermanence of all things. Through this painting, I aim to capture the fleeting nature of beauty and the constant state of change that characterizes our lives.
Far with fonder a care, Oil on Canvas, 2011
Tom Gibbs's "Far with Fonder a Care" is a large-scale artwork consisting of two panels, each about 1.4 meters wide. The painting was inspired by a sunset, with its red and green hues on either side of the horizon. The first panel depicts a girl looking to the left, caught in a forward-moving blur, with a red hue horizon in front of her. The second panel, to the right of the first, features a self-portrait of the artist caught in a similar blur, facing right, with a blue hue horizon in front of him.
The two figures, seemingly facing away from each other with their backs turned, represent the contrast of the Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo, as portrayed in the poem "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo" by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Despite being separated, the two panels are unified in their contrast, much like the contrasting horizons of the sunset. Gibbs captures the threshold of the relationship between two people and the unification in their separation.