About

“I’m drawn to the more unusual aesthetic for the subject matter of my works. The faces I paint may not fit traditional notions of beauty, but to me, they are far more compelling – marked by uniqueness and depth. There is an instinctive pull toward subjects who embody a quiet grandeur whilst carrying the weight of emotion and stoicism in their expressions. There is sometimes an underlying melancholy in my works, but beneath it, there is always an undercurrent of strength. Some pieces make this duality more explicit than others, but in every painting, I strive to balance vulnerability with resilience in varying degrees.

To counterbalance the sometimes solemn, even austere nature of my subjects, I try to introduce moments of levity. Abstract mark-making and whimsical representations of body parts or objects in the painting provide a touch of irreverence. These playful elements help soften the heaviness and allow the work to be more visually digestible.

That said, I do not believe in imposing a singular interpretation onto the viewer. Art, for me, is deeply subjective and personal. While my own intentions and emotions are woven into each piece, I prefer for viewers to engage with the work on their own terms. It is not for me to dictate what you are to read in the works you are looking at, even if I created them. They are for you to take exactly what you choose from them.”

– Louise Howard