Born in a small farming town in southern Australia, Jessica Watson-Thorp spent her childhood surrounded by a monochromatic palette of a wide blue sky to the horizon and pale yellow elds of grain. Her grandmother, who was an artist, taught her how to observe the world around her as well as how to work with oil paint and watercolours from the age of five.
She received her education in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and moved to the Middle East in 2003 where she settled in Bahrain, followed by Abu Dhabi and Dubai. She describes the Gulf region as deeply compelling and beautiful.
After 15 years in the Middle East and 22 years out of Australia, Watson-thorp moved to Melbourne where she continues to be inspired by the human experience, and her ever changing surroundings. She has taken part in several group and solo exhibitions.
Statement
I am primarily a painter and work with bold brush and knife strokes, cutting and stamping into layers of wet paint before it sets to create semi-abstract works. On top of this I overlay more colour, and play around with levels of translucency and opacity. I have a love affair air with paint and the way it moves and feels enticing. When I am exhausted by the physical demands of painting, I turn to the more delicate medium of ink. Here I observe calmer moments and conceive subtle mono prints on ne, hand-made paper.
I am passionate about capturing personal experiences and the dramatic physical environment of the Middle East. I nd the shapes, colours, seascapes and architecture of the region to be deeply beautiful and compelling.
I’ve always felt a need and a drive to create. I spent some of my youth in Africa, and found the raw vibrant colours and rhythms of life utterly awe-inspiring. I am also inspired by Matisse and am fascinated by his air for colour. I am an artist, I am a woman, and I’m inspired by life.