I am fascinated by the complexity of natural patterns and the transformative effect of sunlight upon contour. The latticework of a tree’s branches in silhouette or the play of cloud shadow over the roll of a hill are the kind of images that inspire me. Trees and forests, along with accompanying flora, are a key motif and a prevalent theme in my work. Ever since my childhood in rural England, I have observed how the tree’s modulating shape is the principal player in forming the character and ambiance of landscape. No matter how massive, a tree is
still sadly fragile and cruelly vulnerable to the forces of change. We are made increasingly aware of the indispensability of forests in maintaining the health of our planet. I observe how the bark, or skin of a
tree, complete with the textural imperfections wrought by age and decay bear testimony to the health of the whole.
My work is heavily process driven, strictly non-purist in approach, and much of the time experimental in terms of the combination of materials used. It is not easy to define or categorize. Each piece is both a
journey and an exploration. Maybe due to the fact that I trained as a sculptor rather than a painter I am constantly searching for the means to depict three dimensionality, perspective and the play of light, onto what is essentially a flat surface. For this reason the product often becomes multilayered and textural.
