Louise Knowles ‘Ocean Sounds’

Based on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, Lou Knowles is a painter that loves colour and texture. She mainly works in oils, however collage and photography are also part of her process. Lou started using oils in the late 90’s and it’s been a major part of her practise ever since. She is heavily influenced by what surrounds her, the spaces, objects and people that fill them. The design of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s is apparent in the shapes and elements of her work. Spatial awareness and predominantly the negative space are fascinating to Lou. It is within these parameters that her work evolves. Abstraction is her newest focus and challenge.

“As I explore abstraction in my practise, I am aware that life is a series of abstract experiences. Our brains try to rationalise every situation, some which are simply irrational. Experiencing change, turns your world upside down in both positive and negative ways. It is easy to become chaotic in an already full life, juggling things. To express feelings and communicate through a medium of colour and texture has been an important tool for me. Putting paint on surfaces gives me the time to think and deconstruct my reactions to certain events. Colour has always been a part of my process and creating textures and depth through the layering of colour, allows the observer to witness the stages.

Light, colour and shadow are present in my work as metaphors for life, love and loss.

Ocean Sounds’ is a series of paintings that demonstrate my connection to the salty ocean on my doorstep. I use it as a constant inspiration but also as a cleansing and nourishing experience.” – Louise Knowles