Lily Jones
Figtree High School
RETURNED VESSELS
Collection of Work
Oil stick, acrylic paint, pencil on boat panel, found objects
The relationship between ‘functional art’ and the ‘war on waste’ inspired me to reconsider the use of repurposed objects. In Returned Vessels I chose materials, including the reworked surface of a boat panel and nautical-based found objects, to represent how humans exist on, and are connected to, the ocean. I used expressive mark-making and assemblage to unify the three pieces and express a narrative about the ocean. My intent was to create movement in my body of work so the audience would experience the ocean’s fluidity, appreciate its beauty and fragility, and therefore the need for its protection.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Cy Twombly; Joseph Cornell, Untitled (Paul and Virginia), The Hotel Eden; Katrina O’Brien, Go Gently Little Boat; Nicole de Mestre, Tales of the Sea; David Carson; Claude Monet; Paul Ryan, Landscape, Spring Sprung, Ping Pong Landscape 2, Afterglow; Andy Goldsworthy; Joan Ross; Saxon Reynolds.
Marker's Commentary
Returned Vessels is a discerning body of work that examines the connectedness and existence of humans on the oceanscape. A dialogue is created for the audience to consider a balanced mix of abstraction and expressionism in the use of repurposed objects. The reworked surface of a boat panel, nautical based found objects and materiality reflect a sophisticated and sustained artmaking practice. There are accomplished sculptural construction techniques in conjunction with contemporary drawing and painting treatment. This engages meaningful layers relating to humans’ existence and subsequent impact on the ocean. Connections with contemporary practice inspire the technical sensitivity and discrimination of these assemblages.