Tumim and Prendergast: Artist Statement

We are collaborative artists, now primarily working in drawing, although we continue to explore diverse mediums.

Our central theme is loss, encompassing discarded objects, lost loved ones, personal disorientation, and the erosion of dignity, youth, and innocence. We approach our work as a continuous exploration, viewing each piece as a point along an evolving journey rather than a definitive statement. We believe even small, forgotten objects and memories can hold deep meaning and tell powerful stories.

Our work is intentionally visually captivating and meticulously crafted, inviting viewers to embark on a personal journey of discovery. While we value the technical skill inherent in our process, we prioritise sparking curiosity over dictating meaning. We aim to inspire viewers to delve deeper, conducting their own research and interpreting the clues embedded within our artworks.

Our creative process is highly collaborative and iterative, evolving from previous projects through ongoing dialogue and the slow, deliberate nature of our craft. We believe in the power of collaboration, valuing the diverse perspectives and skills brought by multiple minds and hands, including those of our younger collaborators.

This whimsical verse tells the bizarre tale of Brian, a child whose brain falls out of his nose while playing with a trout. His overworked and absentminded mother, struggling with poverty and a demanding job, mistakes his brain for a pink puddle and plants seeds on it. Miraculously, flowers grow, and Brian's ability to speak returns, though initially in a strange squeak. The verse blends absurdity with a touch of melancholy, highlighting the hardships of poverty and the resilience of the human spirit.