Illumination, charcoal on paper, Framed 121.5 x 78.4cm $6,500.
Available at Nanda Hobbs Gallery
https://www.nandahobbs.com/artist/kathryn-ryan
My practice has continually had its starting point with what moves me, what resonates , finding beauty, stillness, quietness , peaceful , calm, solitude, alone with nature, going to a contemplative space.
The works navigate what to reveal and conceal and the juxtaposition of strength and fragility. Observations of shadow & light, natures details, simultaneously strong and subtle, precise and ambiguous... working with light, mood, strong and subtle contrasts to resolve the works to a state where they are both powerful, harmonious, quiet and subtle.
In Illumination, light illuminates the strong presence of the pine within the landscape, a depth of mood , a sense of mystery, a reverence for what lies both within and beyond, as we take those quiet moment in nature.
Working with both willow & compressed charcoal on stonehenge paper, the works are intuitively felt, using erasers and my hands to rub back and gradually build up gradating tonal layers contrasted with highlights of light and the velvety depth of darkness. A combination of mark making, working with erasers and hand and gradated areas of both subtle and strong contrasts all work together to achieve a state of harmony in the work. It is bringing all these drawing elements together to evoke a deeper sense of emotion and a strong presence in the work .
