My practice captures visually interesting and often conflicting or confusing moments. Working mostly in oil paints, I use these moments as an exploration of color relationships and the effect that color and light has on the interpretation of an image. My work is rendered smoothly with little emphasis on the texture or brush work. Instead I emphasize the tonal shifts and intricate forms that first drew me to a certain image. The images I create contrast moments of simplicity with those of complex forms, color, and content. They are intended to be multifaceted and completely open to interpretation. 

Through the lens of the divergence between artist intent and audience interpretation I question the academic art world's desire for a “greater meaning” within art. I consider our innate need to create understanding of complexity through the construction of meaning and symbols. Leaving my pieces open ended I get the opportunity to learn about my audience and their understanding of the world around them, which in turn enriches my own understanding. In another light my work can serve as a selfish outlet for my frustration about the over interpretation of the arts, and the under appreciation for art that is deemed unworthy due to a lack of higher meaning. In my recent work I have been delving into the subject of mundanity—through eliminating the human form from my work I can explore the relationship between empty space, emotion, and the interpretation of images.

Sophie Northcott (She, Her, Hers)