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I struggled to title this post. What I paint about is what I think about most, the things I think should be shared and that are important…

Anyhow, here’s how I got to writing this piece in the first place.

I had a conversation with a lovely lady who wanted to know more about what my paintings mean. She said that she felt that my older work had more of a story telling aspect to it, which she had enjoyed.
This got me thinking, and thinking. Although the visuals of my paintings have become more refined, the stories behind them are as important to me as ever. I feel that by simplifying them, making them less busy, and by reducing and clarifying my style, I am actually allowing what I want to say to be said more clearly. It has been a slow process, but I love how my work has evolved over the years.

This painting below, “Who is the us, and who is the them” is the perfect example of this. I wanted it to make the viewer stop and ask themselves this question. What is it that divides the human race? We are all human, why can’t we exist in harmony? Why should I thrive while others suffer?

It is not that I know any of the answers, nor do I expect you to. This question is almost as old as time itself. But, I wanted to visually engage my audience in thought about this deep ingrained problem in our society, in a beautiful subtle way.

Working on "Who is the us, and who is the them" with my son Jack doing some fill in. 2015

Working on “Who is the us, and who is the them” with my son Jack doing some fill in. 2015

A work in progress shot of "Who is the us, and who is the them" 2015

A work in progress shot of “Who is the us, and who is the them” 2015

The finished piece in my studio. "Who is the us, and who is the them". 2015

The finished piece in my studio. “Who is the us, and who is the them”. 2015

I have been painting for over twenty years now and my dreams for my work are slowly unfolding. I am so grateful for the people I have met along the way, and the opportunities I have had, each breathing life into the next step. Every door I have walked through, (even when I have felt unequipped), has opened the next door etc .. and so on and so forth.

I feel blessed to be an artist, and to be able to “speak” to people through my work. Do you have a favourite work of mine? I would love to know why it appeals to you..

Do you paint or create? Why do you do what you do?

And questions, feel free to ask me those, questions are so good for helping me order my own thoughts.

Have a great week ahead everyone..

Jasmine