Hazel Wynn, a Jersey-born artist, has always been captivated by the colors, light, and forms found in natural environments. Her work, influenced by early abstractionists and the Washington Color Group, particularly artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Louis Morris, and Paul Jenkins, is a testament to her deep connection with the world around her.
Wynn’s journey as an artist began at Chelsea College of Art in London, where she specialized in Textile Design. During her time there, she won a Royal Society of Arts national bursary competition, showcasing her artistic skills. She then went on to sell her hand-painted textile designs internationally before returning to Jersey to pursue a Fine Art Degree.
Today, Wynn’s work is predominantly about color and color relationships. She is known for her ability to capture the emotional response to the world she paints, drawing inspiration from underwater ecosystems to rainforest foliage. Her paintings exude a feeling of calm and serenity, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her vibrant and dynamic compositions.
One of Wynn’s recent works, titled “‘Back and Forth,” is a testament to her skill in handling color and form. In this painting, she aimed to create tension between control and spontaneity, using a carefully considered limited color palette. By layering swathes of color, she achieved depth and harmony, creating an overall sense of balance. This painting will be included in the exhibition “Cosmos,” starting on International Women’s Day.
Wynn’s process involves working with the canvas or board flat on the floor, pouring and pulling liquid pools of paint across the surface. She harnesses the tension between flat controlled areas of paint and the unpredictability of excess paint, creating fluid marks that add depth and texture to her work. Some areas are left with a single color or blank canvas, symbolizing the delicate balance between chaos and order in the natural world.
As an artist, Wynn continues to push the boundaries of her craft, exploring new techniques and themes. Her work is a celebration of color and form, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of the world through her unique perspective.