Rebecca Davies Cowie

Artist statement

Through drawing and various methods of printmaking I create works on paper with layers of meaning to communicate my perceptions, responses and experiences with the viewer. I gain inspiration from life with my primary focus being the portrait, at times incorporating my own body and isolating my head as the object of my own gaze. By creating works that show a female exposed, her identity both submerged and clear but remaining unknown to the viewer, I am striving for multiple interpretations while exploring the impact of the gaze within the framework of gender.

I link the gaze to surveillance where the isolated body is subject to conscious and permanent visibility. I reference the proliferation of visual phenomena and how this leads to comparing or identifying with other images leading to self surveillance. These omnipresent factors lead to investigations of the portrayal of a spiritual realm. Life is constantly revolving propelled by an unseen force some believe. I combine the reality of the multiplicity of life, its proliferation of images and beliefs with the uniqueness of one's own self shaped by personal memories and experience. 

I use a variety of media to establish what best reflects my concept and to create visual harmony with consistent line, form, texture and contrast with each image. From linear etchings portraying a weathered face to black and white monotypes that reference early photography and film with white highlights placing the figures under a spotlight, to reinterpreting an image through transfer techniques, I use an atmospheric monotone pallet exploring the intense tonal range that can be achieved.

Visual Arts CV

182 Downs Road, RD21, Geraldine, New Zealand

Phone: (+64 3) 693 9014, Mobile: 027 782 8631

Email: rebecca.davies@xtra.co.nz

Education

2009

Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand

Major specialization: Printmaking

Minor specialization: Drawing

2007-2008

Diploma of Visual Arts and Design, Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru, NZ

Major specialization: Printmaking

Minor specializations: Drawing, Sculpture

Awards

2011
First - Emerging Artist for Visible, Alpine Energy Art Exhibition, Geraldine Arts and Plants Festival, Geraldine, NZ.

2008
Polychrome 08 Sam Wallace Art Award for Outstanding Achievement, Aoraki Polytechnic Graduations Exhibition, Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru, NZ

Exhibition Record

2011-2014
Alpine Energy Art Exhibition, Geraldine Arts and Plants Festival, Geraldine, NZ (Group Exhibition)

2009
Rebus, Visual Art & Design Student Exhibition, The Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu, Nelson, NZ (Group Exhibition)   

2009
Reflections,Level 6 Visual Art & Design Student Exhibition, Fish Bowl Gallery, NMIT Library Learning Centre, Nelson, NZ (Group Exhibition)

2009
Aspiring Art Prize,(Juried) Holly Family School, Wanaka, NZ (Group Exhibition)

2007, 2008
Polychrome,Aoraki Polytechnic Graduation Exhibition, Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru, NZ (Group Exhibition)

Curatorial Projects

2009
Group Curated the Drawing Exhibition, Fish Bowl Gallery, NMIT Library Learning Centre, Nelson, NZ