This Passion is My Story.
Some of the most enjoyable moments I have spent in my studio is the experimental process.
This is more than play time. Its crucial element in the development of my work. My love for working with unusual materials draws me into the quest to find unique substrates best suited to create my art onto.
my design process
Nature - my inspiration for creation
On my many walks and bike rides along the estuary, my mind is frequently drawn away into the creative processes of how best to interpret the plethora of images which present themselves to me.
A bore water blasted concrete pathway under my feet pitted with rusty oranges and tones of mottled grey, the rhythmic lines of tidal silt abandoned on the shore by a receding river or the dancing light sparkling on the estuary waters at sunset are just some inspirational themes for the making of art.
Design
I could describe my art practice as process driven, to a certain degree. My fascination with texture and surface technique is tireless. By utilizing certain materials which repel one another, wonderful organic nuances are created, thus triggering off more endless possibilities to the making of art.
My enthusiasm is difficult to contain when I discover a twisted chunk of discarded washing machine and how rust has bled into the white metal. A beautiful process of decay.
Research
My mind races back to my studio where overstuffed shelves of tubs, tins, and bottles of paint-like materials implore to be spilled, poured, dripped and splattered onto an available surface. I begin the creative process of determining which of these materials would best describe the beautiful patinas of the surface which nature manifests itself to the observant artist.
Playing with bitumen, tree resins, shellac, industrial enamels, oxides, automotive glazes, found pieces of metal, copper wire, and wood stain holds far more appeal for me than normal store bought paint.
Create
I make my paintings on a large workbench outside my studio in a sheltered lean-to, off the wall of a large shed in my back yard. That’s where I’m most happy, where the local 28 parrots come regularly for their handful of almonds, and I can watch, and listen to, the chatter and calls of the birds who’ve made their homes in the tall trees on the property.
Being out in the fresh air gives me a great sense of peace and restfulness.