‘Submerge’ forms part of Thalassophobia, a personal exhibition I presented in 2019 about fear – the introduction to my fear – the fear of the ocean – a metaphor for my life and a subject I keep referencing because it resonates deep within me. I envy it and the things that dwell beneath it. I feel vulnerable and anxious around it and so by painting it I achieve a sense of control and peace over it. We often gain perspective about what lies ahead of us when we take a step back or remove ourselves completely from the situation. That situation for me, the ocean, can be both beautiful and terrifying. It represents my journey of heartbreak, discovery, and loss. With this exhibition, I explored two different mediums, oil paint to create the richness of the deep blue sea from an aerial perspective and the translucent quality of acrylic paint to create the sensation of a current pulling you under. Both mediums create a feeling of being overwhelmed by the darkness and pressure surrounding you. But when we look outward to find the light, we also find the path. Take me to the deep end, I am ready.

Submerge from Rory on Vimeo.