I began working on Family Dynamics in order to convey, and visually explore, the complexities of family relationships. I soon realized that the bonds between different family members are not easily recognized or understood at close range - but when viewed from a distance, they become focused and clear. Posture, body language, and facial expressions are all indications of the family dynamics at work within the composition. These connections between parents, children, and siblings are not as "clear cut" as many family trees seem to imply. Personality, age, and history are all factors that contribute to our relationships with one another - and this is true of all families. Although I used my own family as subjects for my paintings, I believe that many people can relate to my art. There is an inherent connection between who we are as individuals, and the family we grew up in. As biological beings - we are all connected to one another. We are earthly children, parents, or biological siblings... but brothers and sisters in Christ.
Through my paintings I try to reveal this spiritual dimension - that God is present and active in the lives of family members in the contemporary world. God is our perfect example of a loving and gracious Father. And as image bearers of God, we reflect his character, even though we are still human.
My paintings capture only a glimpse of this love, and the intricate bonds that exist between family members. I do not intend for my art to be exhaustive, but to communicate the fact that God's love exists all around us if only we look for it. Some may say that my art is an idealized version of the truth - but I tell them that I could never improve on what God has create. I believe that my purpose, as an artist, is not to recreate, but to respond. |
