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BASMA ASHWORTH
Colour, light, texture,
translucency and line are the primary features in my paintings.
My work is influenced by a combination of factors. Most important are
those to do with the memories of my childhood, being born and brought up
in the remote area in the mountains of Kurdistan on the border between
Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Here the landscape is barren and hostile in the
winter and but becomes glorious in the summer and the people respond. The
men, women and children dress in elaborate hand-made, highly decorative
costumes and wear extravagant gold and silver jewellery. The costumes are
made from silks, satins and velvets hang dyed in brilliant pure colours
ranging from reds, oranges and yellows to purples and blues. These colours
are in stark contrast to the back-drop of the huge dark mountains. Within
these mountains there are many monasteries with arched cloisters. The
monastery bells may be heard through the valley on a summer’s evening. On
the mountain-sides there are white-washed small churches and saints
houses. All this set against blue summer skies.
The second factor has been the western influence and specifically the
Penwith landscape. I have lived, studied and travelled extensively in the
west for more than twenty years. Inevitably, western art and many western
artists have become important, if unconscious, influences. By contrast,
the land, sea and sky of Cornwall have been a conscious inspiration
especially so far as colour is concerned. And, of course, the politics of
my homeland and my host country has had its influence.
Finally, my background as a scientist (biochemistry, materials and
engineering) has influenced my paintings. The highly visual element and
shapes and the remarkable colours found in chemistry, microbiology and
even in corroded metals all contribute to the way I paint.
It has been very challenging trying to reflect all these factors and
issues and, most particularly, the two very contrasting cultures in my
paintings. Sometimes the result is calming and complementary, other times
contrasting and even chaotic.
I hope I am able to convey through my painting how the two great cultural
influences on me have been resolved and and that there is a tangible link,
for me, between the past and the present.
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