Statement

Abstract Painting

The history of Icon painting and the connections between comparative myths is central to the basis of my practice. How I make sense of this visual translation and exchange into abstraction; in essence, the storytelling, is key to my work. The underlying structure of painting and perspective are elements to my inquiry - a balance of depth, surface and the painted line. I use a variety of old techniques with contemporary materials - gold leaf, raw pigments and gesso surfaces with glitter, acrylic, spray paint and glazes. Layer upon layer of paint, pigment or glitter glide the surface until I have reached a point of conclusion. This can take several months as often I work and re-work the paintings until I feel satisfied that I have achieved the right pitch. My paintings have to sing to me.

The subtleties of natural light transform the paintings further as the layers of colours are revealed within the canvas. They therefore never remain fixed or static; they change with time. I know when I have achieved my goal when there is a visual fluidity of movement, combined with a constant state of flux within the frame. I always work on a series of paintings at the same time, usually in diptychs or triptychs, which echo the style of Icon paintings. The titles are often (but not exclusively) indicative of narratives that exist outside of the paintings - giving them a sub-text.

I am a member of South London Women Artists (SLWA) - www.southlondonwomenartists.co.uk

Portraits

In my portraits, I concentrate mainly from the shoulders up, treating my subject like a deity - edging the canvas in Gold Leaf accenturates this. By blocking out all background with a bold colour helps me focus soley on their face, giving an intensity and richness. I work the canvas quickly from a mixture of photographs and observations in person. The portraits can take anything from 30 minutes to several hours to complete.

Bespoke Jewellery Design

Having a life-long passion for precious metals and beautiful coloured stones, making jewellery has become an extension of painting for me. I like to work with a mixture of old and new - antique and vintage charms, chains and stones that are mixed with new pieces. I often think of a theme before I start. The colour, spiritual and healing quality of the stones is very important to me and in my commissions I often work with birthstones in mind. Each piece is individual and unique. Sustainability and re-cycling becomes more of a focus as I develop each collection - Love and Peace, Skulls, Nature charms and Guns & Roses - re-occurring themes in the cycle of life.

I trained in Fine Art (Painting) at Camberwell College of Art and Norwich University College of the Arts, graduating in 1997. My studio is my home in Dulwich, London.

Please contact melissabudasz@btinternet.com for further details and commissions.