I spend a lot of time pondering why I paint what I paint and some days I struggle to understand. Some artists start with an idea or a plan for an artwork they are hoping to create, and I often think my life would be so much easier if I was able to work this way. 😆
If I am honest, every time I stand in front of a canvas I paint what I am feeling in that exact moment. There is no plan or vision for a completed painting. I try not to overthink this feeling and go with whatever comes. That might seem like quite a random concept, but whatever evolves on the canvas is the result of constant contemplation and learning, in and away from the studio.
A recent client asked me about the inspiration and background thoughts for the painting she was buying. This put me on the spot because though a LOT of thought goes into painting, I rarely take the time to sit and write down that thought process...but here goes.
My work for the last few years has included the combination of pattern and botanical shapes and honestly I was mystified for some time as to why this particular combination. I do have a huge love of textiles and interior design, as well as fashion and clothing and often I seek inspiration from books and magazines and particularly enjoy combining inspiration from these loves into my work. I am particularly drawn to the juxtaposition between the orderly/formal shapes found in pattern alongside the untamed abstract representations of nature. This combination speaks to me of our internal conflict in our attempt to control and structure our lives, whilst also surrendering to the inevitable break through of our true nature.
My colour palette can vary at different times, but is usually consistent within a series of work. I always paint the colours that make my heart sing and find they often nod to nostalgia or reminiscence to seemingly simpler times .
The paintings evolve in layers and to me don’t feel they become their true selves until there is depth and history within multiple layers. The interest comes in the detail and how the layers react to each other and work together.
To me, this time in existence feels like a time of great change. We have been living with duality for many centuries….chaos & calm, light & dark, structure & wilderness, the head & the heart, the masculine & the feminine, to name but a few. All of these are represented in my paintings and it is my hope to evoke an appreciation for how these elements harmonise, rather than fight against each other. I feel that perhaps it is time in the world to embrace the beauty in each of these differences and visualise how when we can work together for a better world for us all x
