Marianne

My endeavor in this series is to invite the viewer to wonder why this woman chose this hat.

I have always been intrigued by head coverings and their many and varied purposes. Hats are versatile and important in daily life. Their uses are many - work, sport, safety, cultural and religions reasons or just for fun.  
One use is protection from the elements. Wide brimmed hat for protection against sun and a woolen hat protects from cold weather. Berets and woolen hats serve practical functions and are a fashion statement that allows the individual to express their unique style.
This work is mixed media on and finished in cold wax to give a lustre rather than a gloss finish.

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ARTIST STATEMENT:
Based on the Surf Coast of Victoria, Chris Aspland is an accomplished abstract realist painter whose work explores the complexities of everyday life, particularly the experiences of women in the community. With a background in both fine arts and commercial printing, she brings a unique perspective to her artistic practice, blending technical expertise with a strong narrative focus.

Chris began her career as an apprentice compositor with an international printing company before transitioning into roles within the local commercial printing industry. This extensive experience in print media informs her artistic approach, influencing both her composition and visual storytelling.

With over 12 years of experience as a practicing artist, Chris has exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions. Her work has been recognized as a finalist in various art prizes and is held in collections across Australia and internationally.

Passionate about making art accessible to all, she actively fosters creativity within her community. She facilitates life drawing and sketching classes at Hoop Gallery, encouraging others to engage with art in a meaningful and inclusive way.