Asha Hall

My Father's Brother

This painting depicts myself leaping onto my uncle Simon. I used a reference photograph that was taken on my Mom’s digital camera. The photo that is used as reference was taken at my grandparents old home next to their fireplace. On the left, their wood burning fireplace that we often sat around before dinner. To the right, a bowl of potpourri that fills the room with a fresh and comforting smell. In the foreground lays a barbie doll facing down, allowing her butterfly-like wings to show.

“This painting was only my second attempt at branching out figuratively within this body of work. The work is meant to caption the motion of childhood and the way that it impacts those around us. In the image my uncle is laughing and smiling as I leap onto him, bringing back fond and warm memories of playfulness and time with my family. This image in particular has a strong scent association for me which draws me back into the memory; the smell of my Nanny’s potpourri, the warmth of the carpet, and the roast dinner cooking in the background. ”