Louise Mcnaught

Artist Statement -Louise McNaught

My work hints at the world of myth and folklore, exploring the relationship between humans and animals. The imagery often seems caught somewhere between childhood imagination and adult reasoning, as I gravitate towards using symbolism and allegory in my work.

The natural elements in my work are exploring the importance of the nature and our connection to it, and at the same time metaphorically dealing with psychological and emotional states. The juxtaposition of humans with other animals in my work is not intended to anthropomorphise these creatures but to highlight our origins and the imbalance we’ve created in the environment.

The Dadaists and the Surrealists influenced me in my early years as their exploration of the metaphysical really inspired me. Their work has often been described as dream-like and otherworldly, as has mine. My work comes from a spiritual perspective, exploring the idea of the ‘numinous’ and the ‘sublime’. Creativity is essentially a spiritual practice for me. I use traditional techniques of drawing and painting to depict my subject matter, and have recently used incongruous materials such as wallpaper and wood as their elemental patternation lends itself to my work.

Group Exhibitions:

Dalgety Bay Annual Art Exhibition, Community Centre, Dalgety Bay (May 2005)

Art Loco 'The Fringe' Exhibition, Ticehurst (2nd-14^th September 2010)

'The Real Thing', West Kent College, Tonbridge (6-8^th October 2010)

Wobblybridge 'The Light' Exhibition, Tunbridge Wells (13-16^th October 2010)

Wellington Gate, Tunbridge Wells (November 2010)

Wobblybridge 'Winter Exhibition', (16^th November 2010 - 29^th January 2011)

Bluemoon Gallery, Tunbridge Wells (January 2011 –  March 2011)

Maidstone Museum, (January 26th-5^th March)

Artloco Sculpture Exhibition (28^th February-19^th March)

The Angel Centre, 'Untitled', West Kent College Exhibition (19-29^th May 2011)