My work has been highly influenced by the world of commercial art and graphic design. This translates to my art in many ways. My still life paintings are careful composition full of allegories, which capture a moment in time where all represented items are meaningful beyond the composition.
'Arsenal for Today (Gold)' captures a day in the life of a woman on holiday from the norm. She's ready to relax or party. The handbag (metaphoric for the day) has it's contents strewn about, each a a modern day allegory:
gold bag = happiness
sun glasses = bright vision
fragrance, lip gloss & nail polish = feminine rituals
shoes = fun
keys = freedom
donut key ring = indulgence
eReader = relaxation
pain relief tablets = Escape from the everyday hassles of life
blank piece of paper = no plans
paper crane = creativity
This painting is one in a series of still life painting with handbags, shoes and other mundane everyday items.