Variegated is used to describe plant foliage, often seen in more exotic plant types, where their flowers are contrasting bold pops of colour that offset the unique variegated foliage. There’s some resemblance to this in my series – bold blocks of opposing colour is counteractive against earthy tones or lush intense tones within the paintings. Exploring new concepts and elements with bouts of irregularity and random combinations of colour to give a more relaxed feeling to the outcome by not settling with a particular set style.
Looking at the colours and form with textured foliage of tropical plants such as Bromeliads, Orchids and Anthuriums are like the colours and textures coming through my work. Naturally sculptural and so delicate all at the same time, drawing the eye towards these features.
The small Perspex series is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now but wasn’t quite sure as to how to approach the idea. I’m always exploring interesting ways I can incorporate layers and depth into my work. The layered Perspex adds a sense of nostalgia to the work and brings the characters to life, almost like a diorama, a 3-dimensional building a story for each of the portraits.
– Stacey Rees
