Even when I sit in silence, I might be painting in my head. As far as I can remember, I have always been drawn to images that are a little bizarre or melancholy in some way, the pictorial version of the minor keys in music. And so this is what I explore in painting — those buried things, hidden sorrows, hopes, dreams, frustrations, thoughts, naughtiness… The emotional sacrifices and behavioural adjustments we must make, in order to make do in the world. Of course, it is not all dark. I find inspiration in courage, determination, strength and kindness. Humour is one of the joys of living, and I like to mix it in with puns, word-play, everyday observations and the absurd. Animals feature quite a bit. I am always delighted when someone identifies with something, feels a connection, or finds their own meanings and stories in the paintings.

I completed a Ph.D. in Theatre Studies in Canada, but realised that academia was not for me. Instead, I now work hard at a day job and harder around that to make pieces of art that I hope people will find meaningful. I am based in London.

I work in oils, acrylics, or mixed media - the piece tends to guide me. Most of my paintings come framed - I make the frames myself out of wood mouldings. These will usually be black, black glazed with a hint of colour, or a light charcoal grey.