Concerns Over My Safety (confused about pre-emptive strikes)

Spitting Rainbows (part II), Acrylic + charcoal on canvas,

Blue Striped Hood (Stormtroopin), Acrylic+charcoal on canvas, 60x60

Girl In Blue Singlet, Acrylic + charcoal on canvas, 150x75

The Man Who Went Too Far, Acrylic on Canvas,

I Never Said We Were Friends, 20x20cm, Acrylic & charcoal on canvas, 2006

The issue of security is still on my mind. At the moment, I am really drawn to fence spikes that appear outside city residences. Some of these spikes are beautifully designed and ornate, while others are simple and quiet.

I often wonder when the purpose of spiked fences shifted from security to a matter of aesthetics and decoration. I remember reading about a design prize where a designer created spikes shaped to resemble rabbit heads with pointy ears, so that they would appear less intimidating in the urban environment.

I think in the end, no matter how much beauty is injected into these fences, the intention of security will always be present. With these particular works I was hoping to attach both purposes to the painting, where the aesthetic draws you in, but the notion of fear (
being guarded) keeps you out.

Wire Jewels (part II), 20x20cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2006

Urban Hymn, 20x20cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2006

Wire Jewels, 20x20cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2006

The Difference Between You & Me, 20x20cm, Acrylic on canvas, 2006

Grey Spike, 20x20cm, Acrylic & charcoal on canvas, 2006

Blue Hood, 60x60cm, Acrylic & charcoal on canvas, 2006