Gillian Elliott

I collect objects. Often these are simple forms that might be overlooked. Worn and humble, their beauty for me lies in their imperfections; the surface marks  that record the evanescence of life and passing of time. Made from natural materials, and shaped by the elements, they instill in me a sense of Wabi Sabi, an aesthetic rooted in the principles of Zen. By studying the scars, inclusions and patina of these objects I can gain a sense of how they were formed and shaped and how they are changing over time. No longer seeming small and insignificant, I obtain a sense of their place in the universe where all matter has come from nothing and will eventually go back to the same.

The fascination I find in creating these paintings comes from taking the time to allowing pigment to flow and interact and being able to observe new forms being created. Coming from a scientific background, I am particularly interested in current thoughts on matter and the formation of the universe.