Till Seraphs swing their snowy Hats - Study in Tone

To find her subjects, Kerry mines images gleaned from a number of popular culture sources - this particular image has been sourced from a YouTube clip. Loving the way that the model is captured in the light returning to the surface of the water, Kerry wanted to capture the uplifting scene showing the silhouetted figure with her graceful ladies wrists. On an art theory front, Kerry is particularly interested in Notan values, and this painting is an exploration in tone with the intention of maybe creating a much larger work of this image further down the track.
Named after a line in Emily Dickinson's poem "I taste a Liquor never brewed" where Dickinson speaks of a bottomless thirst for nature's beauty - words that aptly describe Kerry's love of the light captured in this silhouette underwater.
The canvas is covered in Japanese Rice Paper to give a lovely texture that is akin to the movement on the surface of water. And, as with most of Kerry's paintings, she has painted in layers. The background using action painting (expressionistic) techniques - pouring, dripping, splashing paint and involving my body in the painting process rather than just the paint brush. The figure was created using contemporary art pop art techniques and stencils, and a further layer of hand painting brought the foreground and background together. Kerry's palette is colourful and uses strong contrasts to capture an uplifted mood. Mostly consisting of complementary colours, Kerry also focuses on using teals and variations of red and orange.
Kerry particularly enjoys the push and pull of this piece, the joy of deciphering the figure in the light.
Professionally stretched, signed on the back, ready to hang and enjoy!

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Kerry Inkster is a distinguished visual artist celebrated for her profound exploration of women’s stories and experiences through mixed media. Her mission is to make art for quiet women who've been told to be smaller, so they can remember they have something powerful and valuable to offer the world. At the heart of her artistic practice lies an unwavering commitment to amplifying narratives that reflect the depth, complexity, and resilience inherent in womanhood.

Through her underwater photography, Inkster captures the transformative relationship between women and water—a powerful symbol of emotion, fluidity, and rebirth. Each photograph invites viewers to engage in introspection while revealing the challenges, triumphs, and intricacies that shape women's identities.

Her painting practice further delves into the complex tapestry of women's lives, utilising colour, form, and texture to embody the myriad emotions that accompany their diverse experiences. The layered canvases serve as a visual language, offering audiences a space for catharsis, inviting them to confront their relationships with themselves, femininity, power, and vulnerability.

Inkster's innovative techniques and emotive narratives foster meaningful dialogue surrounding gender and empowerment, while her commitment to community engagement includes volunteering at local galleries to nurture emerging talent.

A graduate of The South Australian School of Art / University of South Australia, Inkster has established herself as a significant figure in contemporary art, showcasing her work nationally and internationally in esteemed galleries and exhibitions, including an Artist Residency with Comebeck Ltd in Germany. A multiple award finalist, with her work housed in notable collections, she remains a pivotal voice in the art world.

Kerry Inkster currently resides in Fish Creek, Victoria, Australia, where she continues to evolve her artistic journey, dedicated to illuminating women’s voices and experiences.