Sense and Spirit

My art practice is based on the study of sensory perception. How can the representation of synesthesia function in an art context, specifically painting? Further to this, what is the role of sensory perception in relation to Chinese cosmology and cosmic consciousness in my artwork? I explore synesthesia, Chinese qi, cosmic consciousness to approach and understand my painting practice, and the potential for artists to visualize ineffable aspects of perceptual experience. My work is influenced by both Eastern and Western painters, including Cai Guoqiang, Qiu Shihua, Timothy B. Layden, Pia Fries, and Elizabeth Neel. The large-scale paintings produced in this thesis make significant use of layering and marks that look like they were accidentally created; however, the paintings are composed intentionally using synesthetic experience and an abstract vocabulary. I am trying to approach a state of reconciliation between control and non- control and apply it into the gestures and marks of painting. I experiment with gestural and abstract painting approaches to develop a perceptual space of emptiness. I am inspired by both the concept of qi, which literally means “breath “and is the soul of Chinese landscape painting, and Richard M. Bucke’s definition of cosmic consciousness, which he connects to ‘intuitive logic’ and a highest level of mind. My desire is to explore a topography of spirituality that I associate with consciousness in order to reveal where sensorial experience can lead.