Temple Bodies

View fullsize

Renika G.

Oil pastel, crayon

• Artist Statement

  "Your body is a temple.” …And this one features a rose window, arches, flying buttresses, and stained glass: all elements of gothic architecture that can be seen on cathedrals. A self portrait inspired by my personal experience with faith, mental health, and an interest in architecture. I used white crayon for general massing, then layering oil pastel to add colour and dimension. I first laid down a stone cold base of grey. Then, after scraping off some of the pigment, I installed a rose window on the forehead, with sunlight shining through, and inlaid a few pieces of stained glass down the neck. I then carved out arches in the cheeks, and added their buttresses.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is the freedom of expression in any media you choose to use.