Artist Statement

I believe that for most of us life is very busy: we are pulled in many directions, constantly bombarded with information and in danger of losing our center. We feel the need to be connected, at the same time we need space to think...and not think if that's the best thing to do at the moment.

For this reason I generally choose subjects that will convey a sense of space, of quiet areas and space, a kinship to the "other" in us: the contemplative, reflective self.

I am also drawn to natural subjects. I feel a reverence for the earth we live on; and feel privileged to be here. Nature's voice often calls to me and I feel in touch with fire, earth, water and air. I try to honour these elements in my paintings. If there is one unifying element in my paintings it is how light touches and animates each of these elements: it may be reds and oranges for fire, or meadows and trees for the earth, or reflections on water or misty air lit with a morning sun.

We share our planet with animals and they hold a special place for me. I enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat and I try to portray them as they are: going about the business of survival.

I use pastels because I can be very expressionistic with them. They lend themselves to soft gestures, layers that are luminous and shimmering; that delight my eye as I paint. With pastels I can paint with a hard line to emphasize something, or soft and deft to lose an edge. I find they are an extension of myself and they don't get in the way of my message.

More and more as I create, I am tapping into my spiritual side and finding ways to express myself through my work... and this is becoming an exciting part of my art journey.

Christine Camilleri