How To Get Psychoanalysed By An Artist

Animal in You is a project I've been working on for a few years, born from my attraction to inkblots, the inner world of subjectivity and my longing to delve deeper into the meanings behind my experiences and desires.

I'm an artist and teacher, born in South Africa and living in the UK for over 10 years now. My work has evolved from a place of exploration into the self, the unconscious desires and dreams that make me who I am, into the Animal in You series which is all about the viewer and their inner vision.

It's fascinating to connect with people in this way, a first for an artist like me, who does not usually do commissions or have such direct input from viewers in the artmaking process. I am loving the experience so far!

Tell me what you see in your canvas inkblot and I'll create a painting based on your vision. Each oil painting will be completely unique to each individual and created using an original inkblot.

The inkblot test (or Rorschach test) is widely known and still used in many psychoanalytical practices. What people seem to love the most about inkblots is their ability to tap into visuals beyond the realm of our conscious minds. It's very rare for two people to see the same thing within the same inkblot, that is what makes this project so interesting.

What will you see?

I aim to produce a series of 60, collaborative and surreal oil paintings using the inkblot as a starting point. If I reach this goal, I'll be able to explore in depth, the subconscious world of symbols, animal archetypes and shadow selves, inspired by Carl Jung and Hermann Rorschach and, of course, what you see in your inkblot...

I would love to create a full colour book with all the inkblots and Animal in You paintings, as this would be a way for people to share and discuss the inkblots and what they see within them. If the project is successful, I'll also create an online exhibition, featuring a menagerie of Animal in You paintings in a dreamy, virtual environment.

My wish is to give you an artwork that represents you in a creative and original way. Together we can explore the animal archetypes that you see in your inkblot and the symbolic meanings these might have for you.

You just might discover an inner animal you didn't know you had!

Want to know more or get involved? Take a look at my project on Kickstarter and feel free to get in touch.

More info: kickstarter.com

One of the rewards in my Kickstarter is a Photo Collage based on a unique inkblot and interpretation.

I create a photo collage before I start the painting process.

This particular participant took a few days to decipher his inkblot. In the end he saw Tesla, a Deaths Head Hawk Moth, manta ray and a bear skin rug.

Using Photoshop, I took a photo of the inkblot and combined it with visuals of the participant's vision, playing with layers and transparencies until I got to this final Photo Collage.

I'll give you the option of a colour or black and white print if you choose the Photo Collage reward on the Kickstarter. In this case the participant chose the black and white version.

The photo collage will be one of a kind, signed and printed on Hahnemuhle paper, measuring 35x35cm.

Wolfie
Oil on canvas
35x35cm

In this inkblot participants saw a beetle, a wolf, a goat and a giraffe.

Examples of Animal in You inkblot paintings

The oil paintings start from 35x35cm and are created on raw, unstretched canvas.

Step 1: create a three-layered acrylic inkblot on canvas
Step 2: ask you what you see within the inkblot
Step 3: make a photo collage on Photoshop, based on your vision
Step 4: use the Photo Collage as inspiration for the final Animal in You original oil painting

This participant got a digital makeover with his Animal in You painting :)

Example of what your Animal in You painting could look like in your home.

What will you see?