Gentle Exorcisms (2020)

Water, Ink and Breath on Paper: 20 pieces (30 x 40cm), each produced in succession during one continuous session.

Concept: Exploring an approach to meeting and embodying the emotional identity of life events or experiences. The concept arose from reflective self-enquiry and secondary research into the ongoing practice of religious exorcism in contemporary society: Aspects of personal struggle are often demonised and repressed, leaving a fragmented psyche with parts of itself shut off. This piece questions whether such ‘inner demons’ could exist alongside other parts of the conscious personal narrative.

Process: The elements and execution of each piece are symbolic and ritualistic:

• The sheet of paper is the conscious mind of the human life state.

• A ring of water is drawn onto the paper, representing the subconscious mind and the unseen or unknown self.

• Ink is loaded into the ring of water to symbolise an event or experience internalised as an inner demon - a presence locked in the subconscious beliefs system.

• Breath provides the element of ether, representing the superconscious and the transcendent.

• An inner demon is summoned by recalling its memory in the mind, then locating where this memory registers as a physical sensation in the body.

• A deep inhalation locates the emotion attached to the sensation of the memory.

• Repeated sharp exhalations are then applied to the loaded water and the breath brings forth the feeling.

• The feeling registers a unique shape and character as the ink and water respond to it.

  The resulting image represents the inner demon, a breath-shaped being brought into conscious and objective reality. Within the collective gallery, each piece is named for its unique identity as a creature or archetype.