Nature is at the heart of all that I do. My woodland walks provide a wealth of inspiration, from the light between leaves through the canopy of trees, to the tiniest detail in a skeletal flower-head discovered on the path. I take photographs as reminders of moments that move me and gather nature's gifts to sit beside me and inform my work.
I work on wooden panels for the strength they offer. Working in series, I approach several boards at a time, beginning by diving in and laying down a fast and spontaneous 'first pass' on each board. By building up several layers of acrylic paint - each layer often offering a very different interpretation to the one that went before - I sand back into the work, exposing sections of previous layers. As in nature, everything changes as the painting evolves. This slow reveal of small areas, offers a sense of mystery in the history of the work, bringing to light hints and suggestions of previous passes, whilst never fully revealing what is hidden beneath.
It is my intention to bring to my work, a sense of the quiet calm and connection I feel whilst in nature. The soft colour palette towards which I gravitate is a reflection of the feelings of serenity that being amongst the trees or close to water brings.