John Wolseley Essay

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In “The Poet’s Fence”, 2004-2005, John Wolseley, Australian landscape artist, uses the natural textures and fine details of the environment, as well as bold and subtle tones to create a work which emphasises a sophisticated and effective artwork. This communicates a strong message of the contrast between man and nature. John Wolseley has his own unique practice and is deeply concerned with the environment hence all of his works are environmentally friendly, and in some way connected to his feelings towards the environment. His works challenge the viewer’s imagination and are aesthetically pleasing, using dramatic, complex drawings and sketches to create a bold, expressive artwork. Described as a nomad, John Wolseley might be more rightly known as a naturalist. His journeys are a way of connecting with the land, where the study and recording of the terrain and its local fauna and flora are paramount. John Wolseley-Practice-Wolseley’s interaction with Aboriginal people has helped him to increase his knowledge of the land and increase his respect for it. Wolseley often spends long periods of time working alone and camping in rural Australia. His previous work as a printer gave him the knowledge of watercolour and attention to detail. He became sensitive to line work and drawing with fine detail through printing. The Chinese and their unique way of drawing also influenced Wolseley. He appreciates the way a Chinese artist will study the landscape for hours before going back to draw it. Wolseley has a unique practice including burying his works and digging them up weeks later to find them weathered and eroded. This method connects the work to the site and creates a bond between him, the piece and the site he is based in. Another technique he uses is called frotting. This is where he takes the paper and moves it against objects such as trees and rocks to create lines
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