My work is concerned with memory and sense of place, memories often enhanced by my regular observational drawing practice. These drawings are used as visual exploration and understanding. My paintings start with gesture and colour, I constantly rework the image, responding to its own dynamics – working with layers of colour, tone and shape, striving to create order. I describe the experience as making sense and harmony out of apparent chaos. The resulting harmony is not always easy to find and paintings are constantly reworked.
I moved in 2021 from London to West Sussex, moving from an inner-city environment to the countryside. My work has changed in structure and colour palette since moving. It has also moved from the disciplines of printmaking and photography, to a preoccupation with painting, collage and pastel drawing. This development demonstrates the influence my living and working environment has upon my work and how my art practice is intrinsically connected to my own sense of self.
I taught art to children for many years before working as a school counsellor in primary and secondary education. I recognise the parallel experience of self-discovery through play and my own artistic practice.
