Plate 94

(12) Susana Depetris – Red and Blue (Australia)

About this artwork
PRICE: $240 AUD

I received a page with many old time British Flags. Looking at how the current flag evolved got me thinking about the many elements that kept repeating and also changing to end up with the modern flag. I’ve used the main colours as the inspiration for my artwork and using layers as a metaphor for the passage of time and change.
I also wanted to have a somewhat dark image to reflect the history associated with the British flag. When it comes the the process of creating this work, I had a series of pieces of paper and I applied areas of colour. Sometimes I applied more layers wet on wet, and other times I waited for the paint to dry before applying the next layer. I also used pieces of card and other objects to push the paint around the surface to create interesting textures in an unpredictable way.

About Susana

An integral part of my work is the use of layers of transparent colour. I’m intrigued by the idea that different colours can elicit different emotions, so my practice is based around the investigation of this concept. My process is to apply washes of paint and let them drip, sometimes spraying the surface with water to create flows of colour. I keep adding layers to achieve brighter colours, and apply masks to the areas that I want to keep unchanged. I love the uncertainty involved with this technique. What interests me about painting is the search of a visual language that creates an atmosphere that transcends the mundane and evokes a strong emotion.  I would like the viewer to look at the work and to observe the feelings that arise from the experience. It is interesting to hear feedback from viewers telling me all the things they see in the work.

Link to Susana’s Art Aviso profile HERE

Susana was provided with the following page from Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia:

Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia.
Volume 9
On things that interest you and me.
Some Old time British Flags.