Artist statement

The inevitability of everyday delves into the issue of falling into a depressive cycle; simply existing and not living. The use of distorted photographs challenges the viewer to try and understand the setting of each image. However, the inability to recognise what is represented reflects how we can never truly comprehend the struggles of others, as well as the difficulty in forming memories when engaging in repetitious, dissociative cycles. The muted blue palette conveys both calmness and sadness, implicitly revealing how people can find comfort in the mundane. The eerie presence of the single figure in each image reflects the idea of isolation and encourages the audience to consider the lack of connections in what might be a sustained, monotonous pattern of depression.

Process

Initially, a series of 49 original 'everyday' photographs were taken across numerous familiar locations with the intention to capture different aspects of human life. These images were then digitally manipulated, using processes such as multi-layering, translucency, blurring tools, and altering the base colour of each image to fit with the overall aesthetic intent of the work. A final set of five images was selected and commercially printed onto matte aluminium plates, where the white areas within the image would actually reveal the aluminium qualities, further distorting the image for the viewer.

About the artist

My name is Alyssa McDonald Smith, and I am a former student of Fairholme College, Toowoomba. My passion for art has continually grown throughout my time at school as I have had the opportunity to experiment and experience a multitude of disciplines and discover my creative strengths. I am interested in art as a vessel for conveying meaning and complex emotions and enjoy experimenting with different emotions, social issues, and ideas in my own work. I wish to continue art into the future and continue to grow and develop my work.