Traces of Toben
“Embedded in this frenzied world are rare and unique moments of crystal clear clarity.”
– Toben McFarlane
Artist
Artist statement
My art practice has been intermittent since completing University. However, I am never far away for to long. Art making is my venue of making the world make sense. Recently I have recommitted myself to pursing my career as a visual artist in ways I have yet to discover. I am going for it! As some would say…..
I am projecting to paint a minimum of one thousand paintings of Varying sizes of canvases from 1’’ x 2’’ to 3’’ x 4.’’ I am investigating the influence of different environments on my process for making art. I travel with my canvases and media, from location to location and let myself explore my perception of place and investigate the differences from one place to another within the canvas.
my art forms
@traces_of_toben
paintings
Painting began with the old plastic straws you could buy in the stores, or get just about anywhere and a watercolor paint set, given to me by my mother. For her, the activity was a means to occupy me…..For me, art practice soon became another world full of things that brought me happiness, joy and many hours of fun.
I want my paintings to be experienced visually and physically through touch. It is typicallly understood amongst art galleries and artists alike, that artwork hung on a wall is to never be touched. It is almost one of the worst taboos out there now….I indulge in challenging this rule.
A significant influence of my painting practice comes from my desire, when I was a child, to share my artwork with my “Baba,” great grandmother. She was blind. Using Textures and mediums of all kinds allowed me to do this.
photography
I was introduced to Photography, during my undergraduate work in 2002. When I met the darkroom, I became obsessed! I fell in love with every aspect of photography. From setting up the trays of chemicals, developer, stop baths, fixer and water rinse baths to creating the settings and back drops for the images; all of it amazed me. I perceived and utilized the camera as I always had the paintbrush. The trays of chemicals in the Photography lab are like the differing choices of papers and canvases I would choose for painting.
I still find abstract photography, Photodyamism, fascinating and intriguing after all these years. Capturing not the moment itself as photography allows, but rather, the moments in-between the before and the after, with the moment itself. Basically, instead of trying to freeze a moment, as traditional photography does, photodynamism shows the continuity of motion using blurs, overlays, or repeated figures to convey the flow of energy and time in a single image.
This way of seeing reminds me that art is not just about capturing stillness, but about revealing the unseen rhythms and movements that exist within every moment.
originals
Each original piece is a one-of-a-kind work, created with intention and detail — a true reflection of my artistic journey.
PRINTS
High-quality prints make my artwork more accessible, letting you enjoy the beauty of each piece in your own space.
CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
From personalized concepts to collaborative visions, custom commissions bring your unique story to life through my hand.
art beyond the canvas
With Principled Clothing Ltd., my artwork moves beyond the canvas and into everyday life — transforming into wearable pieces and useful items that carry creativity wherever you go.
