Hayley Christina Taskis
Wyndham College
HOLY GLOW: EMBRACING THE DIVINE
Drawing
Graphite, ballpoint pen, clay
My intention in my body of work is to examine the awe of Christ and His influence in human lives. Referencing Matthew 5:14-16, I represent Christ as a light source that provides both sight and warmth. My work illustrates the comfort and delicacy of human responses to Christ. My appreciation for classical art lies in the fact that it conveys a consistent concept of Love and/or Biblical representation. I believe this mindset of creating for the glory of God is what makes the classics classic. The awe of art from this era resides in the presence and acknowledgement of God.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Marker's Commentary
Holy Glow: Embracing the Divine is a sophisticated series of twelve drawings traversing traditional classical drawing styles in ballpoint pen and graphite. The body of work strongly references the work of Bernini in both drawing and sculptural form. The added classical sculptural element of the modelled expressive portrait elevated on a stand, extends the concept of deeply held personal beliefs and provides a central point to balance the drawings. This also suggests Bernini’s method of casting sculptures to achieve the realism desired with the subject.
The smaller scale of the ballpoint drawings provides a sense of intimacy and echoes the close personal connection the artist shares with the people depicted and the art of Bernini. The skilful use of the non-traditional drawing medium ballpoint pen deftly describes in line and scumbled shading, appropriated details selected from Baroque artworks. The larger graphite portrait drawings sensitively portray contemporary portraits of family and friends in a style reminiscent of this period. Holy Glow: Embracing the Divine beautifully explores the artist’s personal relationships, values and faith.