Philosophy
That depends on how many layers you want to peel. On the surface it is exploration of the material, joy of creation, finding new ways of expression, curiosity, playfulness. On another level it is a study of language, communication – verbal, written, symbolic, ancient, hybrid, visual, graphic – and mind – memories, emotions, understanding, interpreting – in order to communicate effectively. Bypassing words. Verbal language is very structured and able to communicate well only concepts that are well established (poets would disagree) and jet it is constantly changing and evolving. Even so, for those of us who struggle with undefined, that language is too rigid. So I am exploring non verbal visual communication – the emotional and intuitive. Textures, forms, pattern and colour are my words and to find them I am looking at fossils, corals, planktons, bones, wings and fractals.
I am filling my mind with the images of life, looking for ways to talk about it. I want to communicate the wander, preciousness and interconnectedness of life, and I can only do it indirectly. An interpretation can only suggest, or be a reminder. Once the meaning is felt, don't destroy its numinous emotional power with over-interpretation.
The next layer is the symbolism of the ocean, which attracts me in so many ways. The ocean as a whole, as opposed to the concept of a drop of water, is a symbol of universal life as opposed to the particular. For readers of Jung, it is the symbol of collective unconsciousness.