This painting is a portrait of my father. In this picture he reminds me of a young Hollywood actor, charming handsome man who stole my mother’s heart. My father was a very difficult man to please yet very honest and caring. He is a firm believer that educations can open doors to a world of opportunities and success. For many years of my life I have searched for approval from him. When I was a little girl I experienced so many difficulties at school. I came from Turkey at a young age after living with my grandmother for 3 years. When I arrived in Australia I couldn't speak a word of English, for this reason it was very difficult for me to gasp the language with no support from either English speaking parents. My father like so many parents wanted the best for his family they came to a country with nothing but the hope for so much more. He wanted his children to do well in school and live comfortable lives. He emphasized on our academic achievements, I was a slow learner barely keeping up with my school commitments, I wonder how I ever completed my school years. During report times my father would analyse our report cards with no expression and make no comment, I would gaze into his eyes look for a hint of approval and hope he would be pleased, I don’t ever recall a compliment. Till now I still gaze into his eyes and wonder if he is proud of me. As an adult I understand and know he means well there is no dealt in my mind he cares.
Jenny was displayed at "Love and Lust" on the 22nd September to the 10th October 2010 for the Sydney Road Brunswick association WINDOW FRAMES.
When I started to paint Jenny I had no expectations. I am a self taught artist who is always experimenting. I have to be honest with myself, am I capable of painting something that’s out of my comfort zone. The technique in Jenny’s hair was a challenge for me, in the completion of her hair I realised it wasn’t as difficult as I expected. I really enjoyed painting jenny she is named after a dear work college. Jenny is an honest friend who is easy to speak to. Her opinions are strong and so is her personality. She is a delight to work with. Very approachable and easy going I can’t imagine our work place without her presence.
Red rose was inspired by the warm exotic tones of red roses. The textures of red rose give a almost velvet feel. A colour which I use in many of my paintings a colour which I find very difficult to adapt in the cloths I wear. I see red as an invitation for attention which I find uncomfortable, I prefer to blend in the crowd be a quiet achiever, allow my work to be shown to have all the attention it seeks.
