Creating a body of work that uses the multidimensional possibilities of lenticular technology opens many doors for communicating. With it's multifaceted dimensions of lens and light, its capacity to transform, to reveal and unveil, it's tangible relationship with the viewer through shape shifting and image morphing lenticulars enable me, within an instant, tell you something more.
My previous work, Bowie, Freddie, The Queen, all addresses our identity. I play with fanciful notions, images formed in the mind, imagination given real form through costumes, illusions - all aiming to celebrate identity and the development of our identity while recognising the unison in our individuality.
My new work strips us bare, the last fragments of our very existence. The Skull, representing our awareness of our own mortality, paired with the transcendence of the butterfly's life. A note to self to live our life to the full. To show the balance between life and death and also the potential of renewal that everyone possesses.
The Skull has steered us away from danger, has given warning, has honoured our dead and has been used as a talisman for protection. It has denoted bravery; it has a spiritual connotation that recognises that which exists beyond the body and which is eternal.
The Butterfly, beautiful and mysterious, is a symbol of life's transformation. Their wondrous short lives reflect a lightness of being, a playfulness. Their bright colours evoke a beauty and sense of freedom. In some cultures butterfly's transmutation of energy represents immortality. The wings that move in a figure of 8, the infinity symbol - again representing the eternal.
I wonder, as I have watched the caterpillars move with a slow and lightness of touch over the blades of grass, if they too know that one day, they will sleep to awake, to ascended and arise.