Animal Paintings by Artist Karlee Rawkins

You don't have to be an animal lover to appreciate Karlee Rawkins' paintings but if you are one, you will undoubtedly come to adore her work.  This Aussie artist renders her subject matter in a playful and almost child-like manner.  And it would be easy to imagine these works in children's books as they appear quite literally derivative of the medium.

Little Pink Bird, 2009

However, Ms. Rawkins uses striking colour balance and juxtaposition to cleverly achieve a detached and contemplative tone.  As a result, these animals acquire a symbolic grace that elevates them outside of mere illustrations.  Excised from their natural environment they develop a quiet yet sophisticated abstraction.

Pelting, 2009

In turn, Ms. Rawkins forces us to confront the relationship between animal and the environment and our place in between.  Do we confront this animal imagery as it is or as one that is disappearing and being hunted?  More importantly, we're left to wonder if these animals will one day occupy our memories in the same way that children's books so often evoke the nostalgia of our distant childhoods. 

Juniper

Born in 1977, Karlee Rawkins studied Visual Art at Southern Cross University in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia where she graduated with an Honours degree in 1999.  Following her studies she lived in several countries including, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, France as well as India and Nepal.  Currently, her art work is on display at the Iain Dawson Gallery in Paddington, New South Wales.  Although, she will have a solo exhibition at the Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne beginning March 15th of this year.

Chicken Thief, 2010

Ms. Rawkins also sells her work through Shubert Contemporary Art Galleries in Main Beach, Queensland.  However, with one click you'll notice very quickly that most of her artwork is already sold out.  This is hardly surprising.  I just hope her new solo show in Melbourne will have similar types of works available for sale.

Pot of Fox

If you would like more information about this artist there are two essays available directly from her website, www.karleerawkins.com.  As well, there is a short interview from fellow blogger Natalie Walton on Daily Imprint, a fantastic blog with a variety of great interviews of creative types around the world.  All images used here are courtesy of the Karlee Rawkins website, Schubert Contemporary Art Galleries and Iain Dawson Gallery as well as Flinders Lane Gallery.

A Few Pearls, 2010