"You begin with the possibilities of the material."
I love working with a variety of subject matter, playing with the composition and taking each piece on a journey of exploration. This is where I can either embrace unpredictability, by exploring and testing the limits of possibility through abstraction, or where the finer detail of realism with multiple layers incorporating traditional methods can be employed. And then, sometimes, I land somewhere in between the two extremes, incorporating a recognisable form, but utilising some free and fluid movements.
It has taken many years of investigation, with not only the use of various paint mediums, but also the multitude of techniques and tools available to achieve the desired outcome. An instinctual approach to my creative expression means that my work is always evolving. By allowing the process to always be in a state of flux I am able to introduce new and exciting possibilities. Some of these new discoveries are positive in a direct and immediate way, but more often than not I find I am first taken on a journey of frustration before revealing an outcome that is better than I could have planned.
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
STRETCHER BARS
The heavy duty stretcher bars that I use features a 38mm (1.5") deep profile with a slight rounded top edge. Renowned for their optimum strength they are made from the best European re-forested timber; kiln dried, knot-free and finger spliced, making them a strong support for the canvas.
CANVAS
Creating my artwork includes stretching my own canvas with a premium quality heavy duty 12oz primed canvas. The primer assists in isolating the canvas from damaging ingredients in the paint preventing disintegration of the canvas.
PAINT
I prefer working with professional artists' grade paints, which are heavily loaded with pigment, and have outstanding colour strength, clarity and brilliance.