IKONA

As a multimedia self portraiture artist, I intertwine photography, photoshop, hand and machine embroidery, paint and giclée print to understand the interconnected consortia of humanity within the biodiversity of Life. Central to my artwork is a visual activism representing the power of Women. I illustrate these influences through large scale portraiture in my IKONA project dedicated to living women who inspire my journey as a female artist.

IKONA | Wise Women represents my passion for female wisdom that stems from inner growth. In this series, I connected with ten female powerhouses channeling change through their work. The portraiture collection includes cultural activists, filmmakers, journalists, authors and creatives. I developed the canvas surfaces through blending techniques of underwater self portrait photography, photoshop, hand and machine embroidery, paint and giclée print. My tactile process approach is driven by a purposeful effort to act instinctively without intellectualising the movement of my brush nor the direction of my thread. My aim with these interlacing techniques is to blur the boundaries across the canvas to create a serene and contemplative experience for the viewer.  

IKONA | Wise Women solo exhibited in London UK from 13-17 October 2021 at Hoxton Arches

IKONA | Wise Women exhibited The Protector and The Healer in London UK from 23-27 February 2022 with ExhibitHere

IKONA | Wise Women solo exhibition in Bodrum Turkey from June 1 - July 3 2022 at Merqezart Marina Yatch Club

IKONA | Wise Women _ Char Ellesse exhibited inside Art Below Regent's Park 2022 and online with Ad Lib Gallery London from 26 September to 23 October 2022

I consider activism a vital part of my calling as an artist, as well as contributing in a positive way to our global society, therefore 10% of proceeds from the 10 Wise Women portraits are donated to worldwide charities chosen by each wise woman, whilst 10% of proceeds from 3 additional artworks are donated to the Sea Change Project, producers of My Octopus Teacher, highlighting the urgent need to protect our global waters.

IKONA | Wise Women

CREATIVE CURRENT

My process evolved from my two photographic bodies of work, the Wise Women and underwater photography. Merging the photographic content, I creatively weaved them together in photoshop prior to materialising them onto canvas utilising the technique of giclée printing. With the printed canvases, I inwardly began conversing with each Wise Woman, tapping into their energies whilst adding new dimensions to the printed canvases.

An abstract embroidery approach develeopped due to the technicalities of creating with a sewing machine. Additionally, I applied the patient art of hand sewing where the textural design called for simpler stitching. Incorporated onto each canvas, I added complementary colours in paint to each Wise Woman, whilst integrating harmonious hues found within our global waters.

THE THREE WISE WOMEN

I initially set out to create the ten portraits of the Wise Women I met on my travels. However, an additional three portraits emerged from my underwater journey. These three personal Wise Women appeared reflecting back my own inner wisdom developed over my years as a woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a lover and ultimately, as a female creator.

Fortuitously, these 3 Wise Women materialised transforming this series into 13 artworks. I was spiritually inspired to live in Bodrum, ancient city of Halicarnassus, 13 years ago. My studio home is number 13. I birthed my first daughter on a thirteenth day. Auspicious 13 has mystically and physically been transforming my life.

WATER & THE WISE WOMEN

Responding to my underwater calling, I rapidly learnt to freedive whilst channeling each woman’s spirit. The physicality of this process was deeply impactful. The compression of my body under the weight of the water whilst holding my breath led to a profound gratitude towards my lungs and to the magnitude of our oceans’ imperative role as the lungs of our ecosystem. My call to action coupled with uplifting women for this IKONA series sharply materialised. I aim to provoke audience appreciation of the natural world and our primal place within it whilst inspiring participation in the urgently needed protection of our global waters.

Womenkind hold an affinity with our waters by providing nurturing environments for life to thrive. Both inclusive and compassionate, yet powerful and mysterious. Water and the Wise Women are wholly interconnected, physically and emotionally.