A Very Personal Map

As part of the “Behind the Mask” exhibition at Gallery 45, I was asked to create a mask-inspired artwork. This could be a painting/sculpture/textile, and I decided to make a treasure map, where the treasure was the end to the pandemic, and the only way to find it was by getting through the thoughts, feelings and some of my experiences during this difficult time.

ISOLATION ISLAND

The island itself is in the shape of a mask. First I painted the compass, which points to the only 4 destinations which were possible, and then I went to town on all of the place names. I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy playing around with the language and tropes of fantasy mapmaking! The idea of the Covid Kraken came to me right at the end.

The words in the waves tell the story of so many contradictory hopes and frustrations.

Can you guess the meaning of Rugby 8, Cemetery Circuit and Hepscott Square? I’m sure you had your own versions…

I hope the map explains itself, and that it tells you a little bit about my thoughts, but in a way which is light-hearted. Other artists can capture the grim realities (and it was so grim), but I wanted my painting to reflect how I try to approach life and the trials that inevitably come along. My aim is to find that little bit of joy in what can be a challenging world.

The map was purchased by a very kind lady who liked the ideas in it. She then gifted it to the Felton Community, where I am told it is displayed in one of their retreat rooms.