Artist Statement

I work in oils on canvas for the most part, and support this with smaller studies and drawing. My current paintings explore the idea of recording passing time, its ephemeral nature made tangible through the application of paint. I see the paint marks as a visual representation of transience, counting out moments one by one. By repeating and building layers of marks, the pattern I create, in turn, creates rhythmic motifs and movement that expands beyond the picture plain.

As a process-led painter I don’t plan a final image before I begin. I lay down marks and then respond to them, building a painting by adding, removing and editing the image over several months. I might use a particular colour palette to drive a work, but this also has to shift and evolve as the painting develops. For me, painting is a balance between control and instinct. The final composition only comes into focus towards the end of the process.

My paintings are abstract, reflecting my thoughts, feelings and memories but not illustrating them. The material quality of the paint is equally as important as the theme and colour is always central to what I do.

Painting is a fundamental expression of who I am, it is my language. I find joy in the materials and each work is a new adventure, posing questions and challenges that are limitless and fascinating.