Christine Dehn
artist
Artist Statement
Horses, archaeology and colour inform my work. Ceramics, jewellery,
painting, fused and slumped glass are the mediums that I engage with
to express my passion. Line, form and movement of horses expressed
in both a contemporary form, reminiscent of the ancient paintings as
seen in the Lascaux caves in France are recurring motifs in my work.
I changed professional studies from archaeology to ceramic design
when I first saw designs on pots of ancient civilisations such as ancient
Greece and Persia, and was compelled to create rather than document.
So bulbous rounded shapes, and burnished earth tones adorned with
sea creatures became my guide, however, individuality manifested into
a stylized form of horses on a background of textural sandy surfaces
similar to the caves which became my insignia.
I also believe that colour has the ability to lift the emotional state and
engage the viewer. Therefore, as an artist my work focuses on '3'
different elements, archaeology, in particular the 'standing stones',
horses and working with a blend of colour. The relationship between
the elements combined with the contemporary context invites the
viewer to consider history from a renewed perspective.
Work In Progress & Past Influences
creating fossils with leaves & earthy brown washes to give an aged appearance (clay plaque 20x20cm, engobes, tissue, clay & leaves)
Stylized outlines of black horses on white clay bodies & black stain on small bowls
Clay, gold leaf & black stain on large floor vase (2000) private sale
Stylized white horses painted with acrylics onto stones & rocks surrounding the Merri-Creek (project Merri-Creek 'RMIT' 2004)
Drawing/sketch on paper of proposed Standing Stone/pillar (current project 2014)
Model or miniature of Stone Henge & Uffington Horse (clay & engobes) 20x20cm, 2009 private sale
The making of a Stone Circle (clay & englobes) 2009 private sale
Clay structures, pressed leaves, twigs & colour oxides (current project 2014) varying heights 30cm to 60cm
Description
top row - left to right:
Creating fossil effects on clay with leaves.
Stylized horses on ceramic bowls with engobes.
Experimenting with gold leaf on clay.
Painted stylized horses on stones and rocks at Merri Creek 2004.
bottom row - left to right:
Drawing/rough sketch of intended stone pillar.
Model/miniture Henge with Uffington horse - (clay, carving and engobes).
Model/miniture 'Stone Circle' - (clay and engobes).
The Making of the Stones - (clay and cement), current work in progress).
Background image - 'pots and urns' - (clay, gold leaf & glazes) - inspired works from the ancient world