Artist Casey Thornton
Casey Thornton is an Australian artist and painter who has obtained her BA in Fine Arts but was mostly self taught in oil painting until recently taking a masterclass with brilliant artist Robin Eley at the Art Academy in Adelaide. Thornton’s work is held in collections in Australia, New Zealand and Germany. She has held two solo shows and also participated in many group shows.
“Tea Party”// Oil on Aluminium Composite Panel
"Tea rituals form an important role as a vehicle for human connection. They remind us to be in tune with ourselves and foster shared experiences with others. The simple act of brewing, sipping and savouring tea invites us to remove ourselves from the chaos of the daily flow of life, providing a sense of comfort and the familiar in an uncertain world.” - Casey Thornton
When asked the question, “What inspired you to start creating art?”, Thornton responded, “For me, the process of creating doesn't come quite as naturally as breathing, but it is an equally essential part of my being. I've been surrounded by art for as long as I can remember. My mother loves to paint, so growing up I always admired her skilful creations. As an introverted child I loved to play the role of the observer, drawing what I could perceive in the world around me. I've always loved the process of making things with my hands, in order to bring an idea or emotion to fruition in the physical world. Whether it be a work of art, or a well cooked meal, the act of creating something brings me great satisfaction. “
“Succulessence (detail)”// Oil on Circular Wooden Panel.
"A lifelong understanding of how to care for the environment begins with the care of a single plant. Through an awareness of what it requires to survive and what, in turn, it gives back to the ecosystem, the microcosm of the garden teaches us the absolute interconnectedness of all things. In a world perpetually switched on to technology, this artwork honours the tactile and the tangible; exploring the subtle beauty of stillness and evoking the essence of that which surrounds us in the everyday.” - Casey Thornton
During her studies, Thornton was able to experiment with diverse mediums, from hand drawn animation to silversmithing. Her true passion, painting, was something that her perfectionist tendencies and fear of public failure prevented her from pursuing. It wasn’t until she began working towards her 1st solo exhibition in 2018 that she finally found the courage to paint.
“Honey and Porcelain #1”// Oil on Canvas,
“I’m fascinated by insects, ants in particular, whose colonies are founded on complex systems of social coordination. The concept of the ant colony has often served as a metaphor for human order and hierarchy, making appearances everywhere from Greek mythology and Aesop’s fables, right through to current popular culture. They are a intriguing subject to research, both within themselves and also in their historical and contemporary relationships with human culture.” - Casey Thornton
Thornton’s view has since changed a lot, she states that the very thing she likes about painting is that she can push herself to improve without fear or expectation of reaching an upper limit; there is no such thing as perfection. Thornton went on to speak about her current work, saying, “My work speaks quietly, drawing focus to the nature of objects and moments that surround us in the everyday, and inviting the viewer to pause and consider them with a renewed sense of clarity. I paint a variety of subjects including the female figure, self-portraiture, still life and botanical. In a world that is perpetually 'switched on’ to technology and each other, my work offers a moment of brief respite from the chaos of the world. My work is influenced by representational and hyperrealist painters from the old masters through to the present day. I am constantly inspired by the work of other artists; there is an overwhelming wealth of talent out there waiting to be discovered.”
“Honey and Porcelain #2”// Oil on Wooden Panel
Thornton works primarily in oils, using a layered approach to build up a highly accurate rendition of her subjects. She always begins with a sketch of the most important reference points, followed by a monochromatic underpainting. This allows her to focus on developing forms whilst maintaining a strong foundation in her drawing. From this point onward, she then works in thin layers of colour to bring the subject to life, focusing on the subtlety of relationships between temperature and value.
To view more of Casey Thornton’s work:
To Purchase Original Work (Online Galleries)
Bluethumb (Free Shipping Australia Wide)
Singulart (Free Worldwide Shipping)