‘Animals fully reveal to us what we already glimpse: it is feeling—and the organisation of feeling—that forms the core of self.’ (Randour, 1999) The metaphysical connection between animal and human is one without restraint; it is this relationship that opens the door to discovery and freedom of the very core of our being. Seen in this light, the paintings by Melbourne-born artist, Seabastion Toast reveal her affiliation with nature through an innovative exploration of animal archetypes. Toast’s work, recently exhibited at the Red Hill Gallery, Brisbane, consists of a selection of animals, including land and sky creatures. The works demonstrate Toast’s keen eye for detail and an intuitive representation of the spirit of her subjects. Toast’s most recent work, such as Falcon Has Landed and Cripple Crow, explores animal imagery, illustrating her fascination with birds and their relationship with people in a shared environment. Her compositions have a wider connection with the contemporary world through references to the societal ideals of power and freedom. The innovative representation and the central positioning of her subject matter adds an intense mood to the works. Toast is influenced by a broad range of art practitioners, such as Australian artists Ben Quilty and John Olsen and German artist Sigmar Polke. These influences are evident in her use of expressive brush strokes and the empathy she displays for her subjects. Toast prefers to work in acrylic paint, including house paint, as it allows her to work rapidly and spontaneously. The artist’s use of glazes and layers build depth in her compositions and enhance the experimental aspects of the work. Toast places importance on the use of layers as a symbol of the struggle of life... The rest of this article is available to subscribers of Eyeline
Seabastion Toast, The falcon has landed, 2012. Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 100cm
Seabastion Toast, Cripple crow, 2012. 100 x 100cm.
