The artist: My background as a design practitioner and lecturer along with post graduate studies at Glasgow School of Art (Master of Design) and Gray’s School of Art (PhD) has hugely influenced the subject of this painting. My interest in design history and culture is highlighted in this piece through pattern, form and function found specifically in the Far East.
The main theme of the painting represents a celebration of Far Eastern culture reflected through items associated mainly with Japan and China: silk fabric, porcelain bowl and chopsticks.
The origins of these items span centuries. The production of silk originated in China, dating back to 3000 BC. White cherry blossom depicted on the silk fabric symbolising “Sakura”, dates back to over 1000 years. Porcelain, as represented by the little bowl, was first brought to Europe from China in the 14th century and Japanese chopsticks were in use from the 6th century AD.
My intention with this piece is to bring a modern twist to oriental craftsmanship by looking at them as we do now as everyday objects, even though they are steeped in traditional history.