Collection: Gio Cuison

Artist Statement

After graduating from Art College my subject matter varied from landscape, still life and the nude. It took nearly 20 years before I started this type of painting which depicted local tradespeople engaged in their daily task. The subject in the paintings are people I have known for number of years and frequently visited for their respective business. They are all painted based on familiarity. I try to depict them in the most earnest way with limited pallet and sombre colours as I feel this evokes the true nature of their work, humble and unglamorous but dignified. The composition is strongly influenced by photography, and I use different objects in the foreground and side to lead the viewers eye into the painting. I see myself as a recorder of social events that touches on professions which may become obsolete in the future. The works of Velasquez, Courbet, Degas, Manet, and 15" century Florentine Painters has impacted my work. From each artist I try to assimilate different ideas through composition, drawing, colour and subject matter.