1.Blossoming Bones

Pencil drawing on paper

Unit 4 Art Making and Exhibiting

Summer’s pencil drawing, ‘Blossoming Bones’ explores themes of natural detriment and consequences to life surrounding the issue of climate change. Starkey was able to draw inspiration from photorealism artist Audrey Flack and memento mori artworks which ultimately inspired the subject matter of the skull. ​

The drawing depicts a stand-alone skull acting as a vase for flowers sprouting from its head. The illustration contains many layers of meanings and can be interpreted in different ways by the viewer. The skull is symbolic of human death, natural detriment, the consequences of human impact and environmental destruction. The skull is very bright and drawn on a large black paper, surrounded by empty darkness which creates contrast and emphasises the lack of life present following the influence of climate destruction. The flowers represent natural regrowth and beauty which aims to shine a light on reversing the issue. This deepens the viewers lens as it provides a glimpse of optimism and hope. Furthermore, the flowers can be explored as artificial nature as they are highlighting the lack of life after human impact and effects resulting from climate change. Suggesting that the only things surviving climate damage is evidence of past life – plastic and bones. The feelings portrayed by the artwork are that of confrontation and uneasiness and further realisation or understanding towards the significant consequences of climate damage. The most successful aspect of this piece is the realism and finish of the skull. The process and utilisation of similar, light pencil shades to create tone, texture, form and shadows in the skull build an effective composition. ​