ROOM
109
Space Lounge
Space exploration is the
epitome of giving permission to
the human imagination
Hubble image dared me to play with colour,
in quantities and combinations I would not
previously have constructed.
What is your approach to painting the
machinery of space?
I see the machinery of space as collecting
and connecting tools. The designs for space
machines is purely practical but the elegance
and precision of this equipment marries well
with the unstructured, dynamism of the hostile
space environment.
Is it important to you to base your
paintings on real galaxies, nebulae etc?
Working with images of real galaxies and
nebulae relaxes my mind to be able to see and
understand the many and varied movements
of gases and colours in space. My imagining of
space is flat and undramatic.
What do you want people to take away
from your paintings?
I want people to enjoy my paintings. Each painting
is unique and I do not make prints - and so to
own a piece of my artwork is to own something
inspired and handmade.
In my paintings of nebulae and gas clouds and
the birthplace of stars, I want people to enjoy the
beauty and colours space shares with us.
In my paintings of space machinery operating
in deep space, I hope people appreciate the
achievements of the human mind.
Would you describe space as a
peaceful place?
I believe space is enigmatic. Space presents the
opportunities for us to communicate and live in
ways undreamt of just a decade ago.
Some of my paintings give an impression of light
and brilliance and softness, while others offer
intrigue, drama and phenomenal energy.
Have your perceptions about space been
changed by your art?
Before working with space technologists, I
believed space was dark and hostile. Now, I
perceive space as a rich and dynamic treasure
chest, which will continue to offer us beautiful,
inspiring imagery and ever more reliable
communications and intelligence to make the
most of our planet.
www.zoe-squires.com
