In search of a doing something different. The evolution to creating art with skulls, although odd was a natural progression from a persisting curiosity with death and the afterlife, I think many of us possess a secret little inner goth. The natural formation and structure of skulls already has a powerful sculptural presence, I wanted to add more intrigue to this, to turn the macabre into fine treasures that are festive and celebrated.
I wanted to create something beautiful from something the world has finished with and discarded. To give each piece a new life, a new reason to be treasured and put on display. Each skull is lovingly restored and created to be unique with its own individual symbolism and meanings, the question being is there still beauty after death, do you see beauty in the macabre?
Inspiration for my work on the skulls has been influenced by the Mexican Day of the Dead, the festival which honors and celebrates the dead with the use of sugar skulls and flowers and vibrant colours for a fun and festive theme.
Other skulls have been influenced by poets, philosophers and renowned artists.
The Warrior skulls are based on the various cultural traditions of the decoration of remains in preparation of transition into the afterlife, more specifically from the ancient Chinese and Egyptian traditions where the bodies of loved ones or royalty are packaged with treasures and jewels with the belief they take them with them into the afterlife. The skulls with their colourful armor a suggestion the animals in the afterlife are royal warriors or hunters rather than the hunted.
Many of the skulls are adorned with Rhinestone crystals in many shades and colours and sizes. The rhinestones give them movement and another dimension as the rhinestones dance in the light and follow the eyes almost giving life to the skull. Many hours of work go into each piece first in the intricately painted small details (which is not always easy on a skull) then the hundreds and sometimes thousands of rhinestones that are placed one at a time, a very slow and patient process.
I make my skull creations to evoke curiosity and interest, I like to think each piece may engage a talking point due to its rarity and uniqueness, merely suggesting “Can something dead possibly be perceived as beautiful?”
