Where Art and Science Meet by Carol Pairaudeau
Mixed media on cradled panel, in neutral frame, 60 x 60 cm
£595
Unframed fine art digital reproduction, print area 30 x 30 cm £95
“tissue, medium, wax... staining tissue, observing areas of highest contrast...presence, absence...progressing areas of interest, discarding others...pursuing an idea but not becoming overly attached to it... evaluating interesting outcomes... repetition, refinement... learning from the results”
In conversation with Dr Sarah Storr (Assistant Professor and member of NBCRC) I discovered significant overlap between the language Sarah used to describe her breast cancer research and the language I would use to describe my approach to mixed media painting. Listed above are a few examples. The discussion prompted many thoughts about how I could create a piece of art based on a theme of breast cancer research.
The result is an abstract painting where a medium has been used to build up layers of printed and stained tissue papers. My choice of colour and form, the use of positive and negative shapes and the elements of repetition all carry visual references to breast cancer, research processes and laboratory equipment. The surface of the painting is protected by a thin layer of wax, a parallel with how samples of breast tissue are prepared for study. The painting also updates my personal breast cancer story, reflecting how experience of the disease continues to influence my choices in life, as I combine my role as NBCRC Administrator with that of a practicing artist.
Ref: #025
