Phosphene
ˈfɒsfiːn/ noun / plural noun: phosphenes – ‘A sensation of a ring or spot of light produced by pressure on the eyeball or direct stimulation of the visual system other than by light.’
The second collection for Wishbone Publishing by Katy Jade Dobson boasts a deluge of rich, vivacious colours and opulent textures in a joining of traditional oil painting with a modern presence. This coupling of classic inspirations and techniques, with contemporary deliverance shows a bold omnipresence throughout Katy’s work.
Based heavily around the word ‘phosphenes’ as inspiration for this chromatic collection, the idea manifests within the aesthetics of each painting as the appliqué, the composition and the subjects themselves. Each subject is built up by a kaleidoscopic arrangement, a series that is adorned with ancient symbolism and original use of symmetry to show a partial balance to which the heavy embellishments do not adhere to. Much like the erratic and abstract styling of the work in relation to its classic subjects.
Finding inspiration in the old masters’ appreciation for wistful women and romantic visuals, free flowing elegance with willowy and ethereal intensions, the subjects are submerged within exuberant embellishments of lavish colours and delicate details. The presence of wildlife interlaces throughout the collection as both symbolic connections or forefront subjects.
This collection celebrates a pure greed for colours, and to challenge the idea of the necessary reflections and absorptions of light to show ‘true to nature’ colours, when with the phenomena of phosphenes, no light needs to be present to see such a vibrant display.
*Mostly sold out from Wishbone Publishing, to enquire about the availability of the originals or Limited Editions from this collection send an email to info@wishboneart.co.uk or locate a gallery at http://www.wishboneart.co.uk
‘Nectar of the Gods’
Bees have been subjects of heavy symbolism throughout the ages, adorning tombs and paintings with various meanings. Bees can symbolise life circulation and preservation. A lot of the basis of pollen circulation is from the natural seduction of vivid colours, also a basis for the work of the Phosphene collection.
‘Wingspan
‘A fresh and lively piece, showing the erratic flight path of a set of released doves, controlled and refined by symmetry. Peaceful in subject and composition, but the nature of unguided wildlife in action supersedes this, which is evident in the capricious movements.
‘Opium I’
Opium I & 11 – Opiates remove feelings of pain and replace with feelings of euphorea. This set of 2 paintings are a play on colours and embelishments that make a replacement from traditional ‘true to life’ colours to a whimsical display of colours across the spectrum. A euphoric replacement.
‘Opium II’
Opium I & 11 – Opiates remove feelings of pain and replace with feelings of euphorea. This set of 2 paintings are a play on colours and embelishments that make a replacement from traditional ‘true to life’ colours to a whimsical display of colours across the spectrum. A euphoric replacement.
‘Totum’
Named after the idea that peacocks represent art within art. Ornate and elaborate by nature, in part a direct reflection of the idea of this collection as a whole.
‘Lepideptora’
Lepidopteran (moth and butterfly) species are characterized by the individual scales, built of hairs covering the wings and bodies that create the vivid colours and unique patterns. Much like the impressionist brush strokes that build up to make an abundantly textured painting.
‘Celstial’
A modern take on the angelic inspiration of the old masters. Heads facing upward in relation to the sky/heavens, adorned with cherubs. Interweaving classic renaissance ideals with contemporary colours and styles.
‘Pride’
One of my favorite animals brought to life in adherence to the style of the Phosphenes collection. Abstract in composition and playful in colour use.
‘Seraphic’
One of my favorite animals brought to life in adherence to the style of the Phosphenes collection. Abstract in composition and playful in colour use.
‘Serpens’
Coiled snakes with fine scales show a fun and bright reflection of the use of colour within this collection. Symbolism of snakes and slyness can be interpreted individually as the snakes coil around the subject engaging directly with the otherwise symmetrical figures, like the embellished brush strokes that create the abstract tendencies throughout the collection.
‘Cherubim’
Playful cherubs amid structured parallel figures. Fancifully guilding an otherwise deliberate composition.
‘Ivy’
‘Refract’
An abstract piece based on the idea of light refracting in a prism, breaking down the colours and the subject viewed through the glass into multiple peripheral states. The colours and the florals are painted from an impressionist stance as hints and suggestions.
‘Royal Jelly’
Bees produce royal jelly to feed to the larva of a potential queen bee. A single subject becoming built upon to thrive above others.The focus of adorning and embellishing a single subject can feel like adding charactoristics to a humble small beginning.
‘Sky’
A peaceful and subtle study of symmetrical figures, paying attention to colours and textures to show for light and tone
KATY JADE DOBSON 