ARTIST STATEMENT

In my work I aim to create narratives of peace and calmness where shadows are not only okay, they are beautiful. Depth of colour is achieved through what is underneath. I work in layers of paint (or whichever medium I happen to be using) and cannot help seeing the correlation between my creating process and life. Layers (of events) add depth, beauty and sometimes even darkness. They all work together to bring form and solidity to art…and life. Light adds illumination to colour and meets the darkness to bring harmony.”

My artworks are intentionally quiet and peaceful…they soothe my sometimes anxious mind and help me find some stillness in this chaotic world. My hope is that it has the same effect on whoever stops long enough to view it.

Where there is a shadow, there is, without doubt, a source of light. Shadows are a given. Many times it is in the shadows of life that real connection begins. We all relate to shadows. When the shadows are shared and the sorrows of life are walked together, when we hear the words ‘me too’ or ‘I understand’ genuine linking of hearts is experienced. My art continually explores that interaction between Light and Shadow. I am inspired by stories of courage and hope, of brave souls who would not think of themselves like that. Souls who have ventured out and found the beauty in their darkness. Souls who echo my conclusion that there is life even in the shadows.

“There is a rhythm of beauty all around us, the interplay of light and shadows. Together they work in harmony. Without light there are no shadows and it is in the very presence of shadows that we become aware of the light.”   Lorraine Pichugin

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

Along with being an artist, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, lover of God and, very recently, cancer survivor. These titles came at different times and stages of my life. However, I have always been an artist. For as long as I can remember, I have been drawing, sketching, and designing, for myself and others. Recent searches into my family history revealed artists feature strongly in my heritage, particularly on my mother’s paternal side. Artists such as Henry Bone RA (1755 -1834), (my four times great grandfather) who was a painter of miniatures appointed to the English royal family, whose patronage continued for the reigns of three monarchs. His wife, Elizabeth, was a direct descendant of Flemish painter Adam Frans Van Der Meulen (1632 – 1690), also appointed to a royal family, this time the French king, Louis XIV. There are numerous others, on both sides of my family. However, it was the discovery of these two in particular, whose work and methods I admire and relate to, that has given me confidence as an artist as well as a heritage to aspire to.

In some ways my art career has happened quite accidentally. As mentioned earlier, I have always been an artist. Therefore, even if I never sold another piece of my work, I would still paint and draw. The desire to express myself and the world around me is continually present. It is not something I have ever had to make a decision to do, it is just something I have always done. A wonderful assortment of personalities make up my family and we are very supportive of each other, in our failures as well as our successes. Without their encouragement to pursue my art as a professional, I would most likely still be quite happily pottering about my studio, painting for myself, family and friends.

As I look back over the past twelve or so years, I feel incredibly blessed by the doors that have opened up for my art, very blessed indeed. Amongst other things, I have had my work published in a number of publications nationally and internationally, including Art/Edit + Interior Design, Vanity Fair UK and House & Garden UK. I have also been juried in as a Professional Member of the International Guild of Realism (IGOR). 

To my absolute delight, just recently, I was invited to apply for membership with Masters of Realism, a Netherlands based group upholding realistic painting and drawing at the highest level. To be invited is a privilege enough, and then, to have my work critically reviewed by the expert balloting committee and deemed at a suitable level, earning me the title of Master of Realism, is thrilling and humbling to say the least. My work is the first of an Australian artist to be accepted, which makes me feel incredibly grateful. Truly, a wonderful privilege to be included with some longstanding Realism artists whose work I have admired for many years. 

I am a believer in progress over perfection. Everyone starts somewhere. In the early years of my career, I would be tempted to berate myself for falling short if my progress seemed too slow or not to my self imposed standards. Now I think even small steps forward is still progress. Perfection is an illusion and the moment we think we have attained it, we stop learning. I have determined to be a lifelong student in my art practise and in life.There is always room for growth. Social media affords us with so many avenues of inspiration and instruction if we are wanting to progress. Copying however, is not growth, integrity and authenticity is. In a world where chaos is shouting loud, learning to be still and quiet allows who I am and what I want to say come through in my artwork, in my own unique way. Being true to my own voice somehow brings a touch of peace and calmness to those who view my work, and that satisfies my soul.

Lorraine