Due to this, my research has become focused towards pen/ink drawings.
One artist that has interested me in particular is Michael J Wiggins who, as of late, has been creating ink drawings rich with symbolic imagery.
Although I enjoyed many of his pieces, one that I find most intriguing is an image entitled 'Corridor' which is a labyrinth type depiction.
 |
No.59 The Corridor Which, according to the artist, is " about the progress
of life on a daily basis." |
After discovering Wiggins' email address on his official website I decided to contact him to ask some questions about his ink drawings in terms of inspiration, theme and materials.
In a lengthy response Wiggins stated:
"I have not come across the term ‘Existential anxiety’ (I am a self taught
artist and have so much to learn regarding theory etc).
I have looked it up and found it refers to a sense of worry, dread or
panic that may arise from the contemplation of life's biggest questions,
such as "Who am I?" or "Why am I here?" Existential perspectives in
philosophy and psychology contend that this contemplation leads inevitably
to the realization that everyone has the freedom and responsibility to
find meaning in life. Although this realization is inherently distressing,
many existential thinkers view this form of anxiety as healthy and
productive.
Well, you have introduced me to a term that covers some of what drives the
ideas behind my work. Thank you Sharon.
However, I do not believe that there is no universal purpose for our
existence, that we are simply grains of sand floating about in a giant
cosmic empire. My belief system is based on a so called Christian ethos
but does imply personal responsibility in determining the kind of
existence we and others experience in the society and culture we are born
into.I do suffer very real and problematic anxiety about all sorts regarding
the human and the Earths condition and feel very small and ineffectual.
Despite this I know that change starts with one idea, person, thing,
endeavour etc. So, I’m not an existentialist but I do suffer from
perplexing anxieties.
This is a long way of saying some of my work does explore these themes….phew."
artist and have so much to learn regarding theory etc).
I have looked it up and found it refers to a sense of worry, dread or
panic that may arise from the contemplation of life's biggest questions,
such as "Who am I?" or "Why am I here?" Existential perspectives in
philosophy and psychology contend that this contemplation leads inevitably
to the realization that everyone has the freedom and responsibility to
find meaning in life. Although this realization is inherently distressing,
many existential thinkers view this form of anxiety as healthy and
productive.
Well, you have introduced me to a term that covers some of what drives the
ideas behind my work. Thank you Sharon.
However, I do not believe that there is no universal purpose for our
existence, that we are simply grains of sand floating about in a giant
cosmic empire. My belief system is based on a so called Christian ethos
but does imply personal responsibility in determining the kind of
existence we and others experience in the society and culture we are born
into.I do suffer very real and problematic anxiety about all sorts regarding
the human and the Earths condition and feel very small and ineffectual.
Despite this I know that change starts with one idea, person, thing,
endeavour etc. So, I’m not an existentialist but I do suffer from
perplexing anxieties.
This is a long way of saying some of my work does explore these themes….phew."
Also, in this email, the artist suggested to me an internet link which presented work of his involving the use of acrylic on canvas. I was initially attracted by the colour of the piece but, due to observing the painting more, I was further intrigued by the compositions as it the middle there seems to be an ascending staircase however the rest of the painting seems abstract and less figurative.
I was also directed to a piece entitled 'Variable Continuance': "...the human race is poured into existence"
After being further introduced to Wiggins' work I have been encouraged to work further with pen/ink drawings.
(Sources: http://michaeljwiggins.co.uk/blog/?page_id=4352 http://www.flickr.com/photos/44428019@N03/7152859817/sizes/l/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/44428019@N03/)
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