Rhea Nelson
Texture and natural forms , more specifically the variety of textures found in nature , have been the unifying theme in my art . My work predominantly features textures found on the beach , like on shells , crustaceans and rocks , as well as on skulls and bones of animals such as deer . I have strived to capture the minute details of these natural forms , using both three-dimensional and two-dimensional work to emphasise different aspects which make them so complex , layered and fascinating .
I explored different mediums including sculpture , painting and printmaking to develop my artwork from different perspectives , focusing on structure and shape in some pieces , and the individual textures which cover the forms in others . Etching allowed me to delve into the detail of a tiger shrimp and deer skull respectively , engaging especially with how the texture varies and the highlights and shadows in the forms . I also enjoyed contrasting and joining distinct textures together in my artwork , primarily in three dimensions . Combining textures and forms together created compositions that were visually and materially interesting . I hoped to bring attention with my art to the subtle nuances in variation of the natural environment , the forms of animals and the patterns of landscapes .