Sorcha McAllister
In my work , I aim to portray the connection between fragility and beauty , doing so through the depiction of natural forms . Initially , I first explored this connection in flowers , specifically the petals . I was drawn to their delicacy , form and colour , and tried to emulate these concepts through different mediums . I experimented with pastels , sculptural work , prints and more . In this initial exploration , I grew more interested in the shape of different natural forms , furthering this interest through etchings . While working on my stained glass and sculptural pieces , I became fascinated with how light can help build upon the connection of fragility and beauty .
As my works began to focus on the abstract shape of natural forms , I drew inspiration from artists such as Claude Monet and Georgia O ’ Keeffe . I was drawn to O ’ Keeffe ’ s abstract portrayal of flowers , forcing a focus on the shapes and colours of the subject . In Monet ’ s work , I was interested in his messy brushstrokes which ultimately create the form of the subject .
The mediums I chose directly reflect the concepts that they focus on . For example , my oil paint prints present a hint of the overall picture of the flowers , but the main focus is the forms and colours that piece together the image , thus the medium of an oil print aids in the representation of the form and beauty of natural form . Another example is my stained glass , which explores the concept of fragility and beauty through the use of the material of glass and light .