Kim Baker

Artist statement

My recent body of work is drawn from the classical theme of Memento Mori; and uses motifs such as flowers, birds and insects, which historically, are said to remind the viewer of their own mortality of the vanity of earthly glory and pleasure. I weave flora and fauna into magical, jewel like landscapes and are a continuation from my 2007 Dark Gardens series.

My paintings are based on a romantic attitude, drawing elements from traditional painterly values whilst communicating a unique expressive quality with an intuitive and spontaneous approach to my work. I often work over a previous painting, adding then rubbing back layers of paint so that the under-painting can be seen in part. This gives a sense of history to the works.

My use of jewel-like colours against a sombre background gives the paintings a back-lit quality, and the contrast of mark-making veers from subtle glazing techniques to broad sweeping brush strokes to create a dramatic stage set of landscapes and gardens.