My paintings are intuitively conceived and constructed using a combination of methods, materials and techniques, which are processed in no particular order or merit. As a materials-led artist, materiality becomes the subject, the emphasis being continual experimentation and play, and the object to create rich and diverse surface textures including crossing-over art forms. Each painting is an adventure, as I never know where the process may take me.
I work predominantly on canvas with the intention to concentrate on the processes rather than the end product and remain spontaneous throughout, choosing a material and technique I feel drawn to work with at each given point in time, including my starting one. Materials may include a combination of paints, fabrics, fibres, recycled, found objects and paper; and techniques such as, collage, glazing, cutting, sanding, bleaching, rubbing, scratching and stitching are applied using an assortment of tools, including builders’ or kitchen implements, to make seductive marks and surfaces. Printmaking and textile techniques have particularly influenced my way of working, for example I employ stitching by way of subverting the decorative elements of textiles into ways of constructing the canvas surface.
Surfaces are built up in layers, and stages of development incorporate editing, layering, scraping back, reflecting and reinstating. The physical properties of surfaces and materials are essential, as is my need to ‘make’ as well as paint in order to connect emotionally with each material. Recent canvasses are worked over longer periods of time producing sensuous, weathered and archaic surfaces, giving the work depth and a sense of history.
My paintings are the result of a synthesis of techniques and materials, traditional and non-traditional working methods and organic processes culminating in development of new work about ‘states of being’. Essentially my philosophical approach in trusting the process has enabled a deeper connection with my creative spirit and internal world, finding new pathways in my work.
Link to ‘health and art project report’, a pivotal stage in recent art development