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| Evelyn Howard, Artist/Graphic Designer |
I spend a lot
of time thinking about birds. I paint birds and bird-like images, and I sculpt
bird and bird-like objects. They fill up my day and drive me a little bit crazy,
but luckily, I also get a buzz from the process and the results.
The idea of
using birds as a metaphor in my work came organically. During my recent
travels, I have been lucky to be able to stay in a few countries for a few
months. Apart from taking in the sights, I was able to experience a little
day-to-day life in a foreign culture. In one particular location, I spent a lot
of time over many days at a bird sanctuary, observing some feathered creatures.
I started to sketch them, and these sketches turned into paintings, and later
evolved into 3 dimensional objects.
My work depicts
the position of individuals in society, and social norms. My background as a 2nd
generation Malaysian-born Chinese, who has migrated to Australia also informs
my work.
On the “lighter”
side of art, I appreciate having time to doodle in coffee shops, at the park,
while waiting for public transport or in front of the TV; or make functional
objects such as a piece of jewellery or a ceramic cup.
I balance my time
between my self-driven art initiatives, and working as a graphic designer. I
love my job as a graphic designer, and working with large and small businesses
as a freelance agent. As a graphic designer, there is nothing more satisfying
that fulfilling a client’s brief. Some of my design work can be seen on my website.
