Nicholas O'Brien
St Augustine's College Sydney
OF FIRES AND FLOODING RAINS
Drawing
Graphite pencil on paper
All Australians are affected by the harsh and diverse environment and natural disasters for which Australia is famous. The severe bushfires at the start of 2020 and the following floods which ravaged the Australian landscape had an impact on everyone, even those who weren’t close to the disasters. Within my body of work, my intent was to explore the ways in which these events affected everyone. I chose to do a large scale graphite drawing to incorporate details within the work that represent the physical, mental and emotional effects of these natural disasters.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the artist Jono Dry.
Marker's Commentary
Of Fires and Flooding Rains is a subtle, emotive exploration of the effects of climate and the natural environment on everyday Australians. Careful observations in two large scale graphite portraits highlight the impact of these disasters through confident and sustained use of photorealism. Graphite pencil has been manipulated in a highly skilled and sensitive manner representing the detailed proportions of hands and faces. The impressive scale and delicate drawings are confidently refined to create emotionally engaging works which communicate the inner turmoil created by these disasters. Furthermore, the textural qualities of the facial expressions and wrinkles are highly considered and expertly rendered, portraying the impact of the environment’s harsh realities. The drawings knowingly exploit a full tonal range and compliment the significance of the subject matter selected.