Zoe Gelder
Bulli High School
CHILDREN OF THE SEA
Drawing
Graphite pencils
Surfing and the ocean are some of the most important things in my life so they inspired my body of work. Surfing is not only a place of escape but a lifestyle. My work expresses the idea that surfing has progressed throughout history from being a male pastime to a professional sport, and is now a way of life for all ages and genders. The elements that make this possible are represented in my work, including the surfboard, sand, water and wetsuit, and the mindset that enables us to experience the creations of the ocean.
Marker's Commentary
Children of the Sea draws on the rich tradition of portraiture within Western art, in a collection of five graphite and pen portraits. Each explores different relationships with the ocean. The convention of realism is employed to execute five selected people of different genders and ethnicities. The work draws the audience into the experience of each individual with the familiar Australian maritime. The monochrome of graphite and pen are employed in a sophisticated and skilful manner throughout to convincingly render skin, fabric, sand, hair and water. The framing, composition and expression of each subject effectively communicate a range of emotions including meditative moments, joyful enthusiasm and contented satisfaction, thus bringing the viewer into the varied world and experience of the coastal community.