There are certain objects that we keep and treasure more than others. These objects act as reflections of the self and reaffirm our identity. Often of particular importance to women, they hold intergenerational memories and tell the stories of events, experiences and people. These are the objects explored in the series Things Kept.
The series of watercolour still-life paintings represents treasured things kept by Louise and her family. The paintings are of both the objects and the stories they tell, building together to create one composition.
The fine detail draws the viewer in and questions why these items were selected and treated with such care. The detail also reflects how the objects are viewed while being painted - the eye focusing on specific areas while glancing over others.
Areas displaying blank paper suggest where memories become unclear, and that not everything about these objects is shared.
This series was shown for the Elam School of Fine Arts Graduate Show in February 2021.
