Statement - Stan Dickinson, Artist
The digital image, largely photographic, on screen or in print, informs so much of our 21st century perception. Our unconscious response to visual imagery underpins the manner in which we construct that perception of reality. I make images that are patently 'unreal'; that are blatantly constructed; but whose vibrant colours and posed, often absurd, narratives tempt the viewer to search for significance. When, as is often the case, the perception proves false and empty, we still want to look, participating in the trick. There are parallels in our struggle to find meaning within the spectacular deluge of visual imagery that comes our way every day.
My work layers appropriated material, chiefly from old books, with drawing (both physical and digital), digital manipulation, physical and digital collaging, cutting and set construction; digital photography and digital printing often followed by more layers of intervention (even burning) to create complex images that are, at one and the same time, visually attractive, thought-provoking, and even challenging. That we are all, every day, in our work and leisure, making important decisions and judgements about what can often be detailed and carefully constructed images, may mean that the work has potential significance and relevance.
Increasingly, Drawing, be it with pencil, pastel or digital stylus, is the meditative process through which I engage with both my subject matter - the content of my images - and with the concepts & ideas that are informing my creativity. For the viewer, the drawn elements in the final outcome confirm my own performative artistic presence, adding essential layers to the sense of significance.
My work layers appropriated material, chiefly from old books, with drawing (both physical and digital), digital manipulation, physical and digital collaging, cutting and set construction; digital photography and digital printing often followed by more layers of intervention (even burning) to create complex images that are, at one and the same time, visually attractive, thought-provoking, and even challenging. That we are all, every day, in our work and leisure, making important decisions and judgements about what can often be detailed and carefully constructed images, may mean that the work has potential significance and relevance.
Increasingly, Drawing, be it with pencil, pastel or digital stylus, is the meditative process through which I engage with both my subject matter - the content of my images - and with the concepts & ideas that are informing my creativity. For the viewer, the drawn elements in the final outcome confirm my own performative artistic presence, adding essential layers to the sense of significance.
