The punishment fits the crime 2010

Painting coal white was used as a punishment in the British armed services. It was a tedious act worsened by the redundancy of the action. It’s not just the ridiculous nature of painting coal white that intrigued me but as a metaphor for artistic practice. Creating something out of nothing or changing the way the viewer looks at the world, challenging what is perceived as real and providing visual stimulus is what the artist is expected to do. There is an association with or assumption of magic to artistic practice. As if an artist fulfils the role of a present day sorcerer or alchemist. This work explores the magic of the creative process and the punishment an artist endures for taking this path. Bituminous coal and white emulsion Edi