Scratching the surface, 2026
Drypoint sheets in a solander box
25 cm x 17,5 cm x 27,5 cm
Artist’s Statement
Knowingly or not, many people collect. For some, it may be antiques or souvenirs from abroad; for others, objects that are regarded as mementos, keepsakes, heirlooms or trophies. This informal archival form – that of the family archive – is an ever-growing and varying collection. My own family archive consists not only the physical artefacts – taking the form of photographs, tools, porcelain figurines and a never-ending scope of objects – but the memories which they conjure up. These sentimental objects are what is left behind after the sudden passing of my grandparents, and they continue to stir my creative practice as I endeavour to understand their hold on me.
Scratching the surface ‘scratches beneath the surface’ of my nostalgia and sentiment. This is a medium which requires one to physically scratch the surface of plastic sheets to create an image or mark, and then fill these rough lines with ink to allow the image to form. It became somewhat therapeutic to handle this plastic more roughly than the delicate, revered brassware, porcelain figurines and tea sets depicted. Scratching the surface offered a sanctuary to take back my artistic practice. Through this exploration, I discovered that there were ways in which I could represent the objects and feelings connecting myself and family to them, without the obstructive burden and weight of the physical objects themselves.
Image Gallery
