Rose Cooper

My artistic process is a rather spontaneous series of events. Oftentimes I set out with the intention of creating a specific piece, only to wind up going in an entirely different direction creatively. If I see an opportunity where a piece can evolve into something greater than what I originally intended I try to follow that instinct and relinquish any previous control I had over the piece. It’s almost like an open conversation with my artwork, and I let it take the lead in where it wants to go so that it may reach its full potential.

My biggest influence and inspirations would be nature, finding light in the darkness, time, illumination, and a person at the center of all these themes. Seeing a light at the end of the tunnel is one of my favorite themes to incorporate in my work. To me, it represents how the trials and turbulences of life are not a permanent state, and things will get better in time. In addition to this, showing how there is a connection between humans and nature, and how there is beauty in the earth. One of the biggest reoccurring themes I continue to use is a person and, in some way, or another they are tied to nature and the relationship between the two elements is something I like to explore in different ways. For me the relationship between the two subjects represents harmony, but at the same time, I also explore a sense of darkness between the two. To ask the viewer: what is their own relationship to nature like? Though ultimately, I think the biggest belief in my work is to capture a sense of longing in it, whether this is a literal sense where the subject is in obvious distress or a more subtle sense. Then, in turn, try to bring that feeling of longing out of the viewer. It’s not a longing for any theme in particular, but I find it to be a very powerful emotion and the power in that is something I want to capture and represent in my work.