Catherine Sargeant's "Grounded" presents a mesmerising interplay between darkness and light, text and texture. This circular mixed media piece, 25 cm in diameter, employs oil, gloss and pigments on plywood to create a captivating nocturnal landscape. Deep blacks and midnight blues dominate the composition, with swirling teal and aquamarine hues suggesting an otherworldly horizon or perhaps the meeting of sea and sky. The word "grounded" emerges from the darkness, its letters partially obscured yet anchoring the viewer's eye, creating tension between the concept of stability and the fluid, almost cosmic nature of the background. Sargeant's technique of layering materials creates subtle variations in sheen and depth, inviting prolonged contemplation.

The Power of Circular Art
The tondo format of "Grounded" creates a particularly striking visual presence when displayed, its perfectly circular shape drawing the eye and creating a portal-like effect on any wall. The piece speaks to themes of finding stability amidst chaos, with the contrasting darkness and luminous blues suggesting both challenge and hope. When illuminated properly, the varying textures of oil and gloss create subtle reflections that shift as the viewer moves, enhancing the work's contemplative quality. This intimate yet impactful piece demonstrates how contemporary mixed media approaches can create profound emotional resonance within a modest scale, offering a daily reminder of resilience and centeredness in an ever-changing world.