Shirley Ploog - Pause & Presence

 

Wednesday 2 - Sunday 20 October 2024

Click here for artwork by Shirley Ploog

'Daily walking is my ritual to consciously pause in a world full of noise. It’s a deliberate act of creating space to be fully present in the natural world. I choose to walk alone – no talking, no dog and no phone. This time is dedicated to listening, observing and immersing myself in the experience.

In these moments, free from distractions, I embrace the joy of discovery. The world around me slows, the noise fades and I can truly observe the unfolding beauty. This ritual energises me, igniting a spark that feeds and nurtures both my soul and my artistic practice. It offers me peace and tranquillity allowing ideas to germinate and flourish.

My paintings are vignettes of these experiences, responses to the coastal wonderland I cherish. They are intimate, tranquil and calming, inviting the viewers to pause and take a closer look. There is a sense that by slowing down, one might uncover hidden depths and subtleties within the work.

Meandering through my paintings allows the viewer to capture the essence of nature’s experience. Subtle and translucent shifts of colour imbue the works with a presence and reverence for coastal beauty. These pieces celebrate the hidden, the unassuming, the intricate, the fragile – the minutiae of nature’s splendour.

I invite you to take your time, to pause and to be present.

Discover the quiet beauty that reveals itself.'