I have always been fascinated by animals and their quirks. I find it incredible that we share
the world with so many diverse and extraordinary creatures, and I am particularly drawn to
those that inhabit unfamiliar environments. The landscapes and ecosystems they live in feel
both intriguing and beautiful to me, although I am also deeply aware that many of these
environments are becoming increasingly threatened. While this is not something I address
directly, it sits quietly in the background of my work.

In my prints, I see animals as characters, and I create surreal, imagined worlds for them to
inhabit. When I watch documentaries or see images of these creatures, I often feel
transported elsewhere, and I aim to recreate that sense of escapism in my work. I hope my
art takes the viewer on a journey to slightly off-kilter places, creating spaces that feel playful
and safe, while also encouraging reflection on our relationship with the natural world.

My designs begin on paper, where I build compositions gradually through layers of shape,
pattern, and detail. Although I plan the overall structure and colour relationships beforehand,
I avoid overplanning the image, allowing room for spontaneity and an organic quality to
emerge. I see my work as controlled but with a naive sense of playfulness, and this balance
is important in creating a sense of curiosity. Through screen printing, I build vibrant layers of
colour, often combining fluorescent and muted inks to create nuanced palettes.

I am strongly inspired by the offbeat energy of outsider and naive art. Morris Hirshfield is a
key influence; I am particularly drawn to his use of pattern, flat compositions, and the
characterful, often playful expressions in his animals. Henri Rousseau is another important
influence on my work. Like Rousseau, I have never set foot in a jungle, and his imagined
worlds feel immersive, playful, and slightly surreal—qualities that I strive to capture in my
own practice.