Throughout my previous work and introspection I have been compelled with an interest in the idea of the development of consciousness. My inclination is to consider this in a personal manner, but I am also interested in the way that evolution occurs physically, metaphorically, spiritually and socially. To provide inspiration I look to various models of growth and the parallels found in differing fields. For example, growth is defined differently in quantum physics, eastern spirituality, biology and developmental psychology, but bears an intriguing similarity amongst them all.
Formally I aim to present images that infer an emotive sense of transcendence. I am aware that a certain amount of ambiguity can be raised by images that carry a more personal significance, or by spare abstractions that don't represent anything specifically, but the foremost concern of the image is ultimately contained in the tone of the work. I hope to evoke a mood in the viewer; because of this interest, I often choose colours and shapes that suggest a meditative calm, and work in sets that promote a sense of balance, order, and harmony.
Technically my work uses mostly traditional materials such as oil and acrylic paint on canvas, but I also incorporate materials that will enhance the iconic or naturalistic sensibility of the piece such as gold leaf or burnt wood.
-Serena Staples.
