LandEscape 130
Chantelle Ferri
Art Review
modify. Responses to each work have been quite varied. I felt the strongest response was actually during the years at art college – for example, questioning the types of mediums I had used. The descision between painting and photography; which medium would communicate what I wanted to say more efficiently. I enjoy painting, it has a tactile quality, you really feel you are creating something from nothing. There is something quite exciting about a blank canvas and letting your hand create the images that lie within your mind. However, the wonder of photography can capture a specific point of view, an angle, lighting, the subject, different exposuers; all such diverse variables which come into play. The response always seemed to lead back towards photography, as it always played an integral part of my image making anyway. I was still able to manipulate my imagery in photography as well, through the wonders of programs which would allow me to change the saturation of colour, contrast, brightness and hues. I am still able to recreate a scene from my imagination, only it was through a more disconnected process of computer generation. I no longer had a paint palette in my hand. It all came as a result of the click of a button. But I do not feel deterred by any feedback and commentary on my work. It allowed me to grow and enhance my experience as an artist. Sure there have been times when the critique of a work was not as I had expected, that I felt I had somewhat failed in the work I had created. But these experimentations are what allows you to find your true style as an artist. Feedback is important for one's growth as an artist, though it should not directly influence your style or technique. Often I am grateful that someone even has a unique opinion to offer about my work. It makes me feel like they have tried to understand my point of view. Even if
their interpretation is slightly different to what I had intended, I take great pride that for even just a moment, I made someone consider a point of view they had never considered before and I think any artist would probably say the same. Thanks a lot for your time and for sharing your thoughts, Chantelle. Finally, would you like to tell our readers something about your future projects? How do you see your work evolving?
My work seems to be taking a more digital approach at the moment. I have had some recent experimentation with video projection and I can see myself exploring perhaps in a more video based approach to my work. Over the past year or so I have been experimenting more with my photography and long exposures of my friends fire twirling, with Northern Beaches Fire Twirling in Manly, Sydney, Australia. The images are layered with light from both the fire and LED poi and dragon staffs. I have then been editing the images similarly to my other kaleidoscopic projects such as "Towards the Light" and "Growth from within". This is an ongoing project which I continue to explore, the light and colours are so enchanting it's hard not to be transfixed by the swirling motions of the wonderfully skilled fire twirlers. I can see this project developing further. I am currently travelling the world for several months, seeking inspiration and searching for my next dreamscape location. Who knows where I may find it. Thank you LandEscape team for your interest in my work and allowing me this opportunity to discuss it in more detail. I hope you were enlightened by my responses.