Wishful thinking (Framed)

Wishful thinking, 2024

Gouache on 100% cotton rag handmade paper
20.5 x 21cm
Framed with gallery glass 

Austen Gordon

Austen Gordon (b.1987) completed her Btech in Interior Design at Tshwane University of Technology and since then worked as a designer, teacher and marketing manager. In 2023, Austen left her full time position to pursue painting and art full time.

Austen's work explores illustrative realism, wordplay and principles of aestheticism. She loves to use surprising colour combinations in her works and apply her visuals to a variety of substrates. She is interested in taking a theme or a subject matter and working and re-working it and watching it evolve and change. 

Currently, she is focused on creating bright blooms, nestled in quirky patterned vases, set against a variety of backdrops, some plain, some patterned. Working freely, choosing bold colours at whim, adding freehand patterns and motifs to vases and tablecloths, she is expanding her creative play, outside of her sketchbook.

In Austen's words:

Towards the end of 2023, much transpired; both joyful and heartbreaking, challenging and freeing, and, in the midst of it all, I began to make flower paintings. I worked freely, choosing bold colours at whim, adding patterns and motifs to vases and tablecloths freehand and overall, extending my sketchbook play, outside of my sketchbook.

2024 is the start of opportunity and continued change; a chance to plant the seeds, and care for them; where I give myself time and space to take root, to flower and bloom. I am turning my face towards the sun. This is the (my) year of the flower.