Artist's statement

Symen describes himself as an  explorer, engaged in a journey of discovery and documentation regarding the subconscious.

“Now and then certain things  interest me demanding my attention. It could an image, something someone might say, or perhaps something written. They evoke a feeling of mystery in me and I feel compelled to know more”.

“My work functions as my way of recording and documenting things I have learned, observed and lived along the way. I draw artistic inspiration from old children’s book illustrations, comics, Jewish mysticism, botany, religious/occult symbolism and loud music.”

Of particular interest to Symen are aspects of the human psyche manifested and observed in the home and work environment. Much of his subject material is a result of analyzing the myths, truths and lies relating to health, spirituality, work and death and looking at how these influence the way we live and function in society.

Hunters’ current practice involves experimenting with collage, drawing, painting, screen printing and making his own paper and pigments, sourced from locally found materials.