Artist statement
My work is informed by a love of nature; daily walks in the forest help to quiet the noise and distractions of modern life. My paintings have been described as ‘landed abstracts’ - offering just enough to suggest a sense of place without being tied to a specific location. The abstracted compositions are my attempt to capture the feeling of moving through the landscape, noticing how it changes with each step; the flicker of light on individual leaves; a tree trunk growing sideways from years of withstanding strong winds; tiny traces of mist beginning to form as the temperature cools. I often include compositional elements that hint at paths or streams, helping to lead the eye into the painting and creating a sense of depth.
In the studio, the paintings develop organically. I always start several canvases at once and the initial marks are loose and spontaneous. The paint is applied energetically and, as the layers build, a composition begins to emerge. Drips and splashes suggest organic growth. Transparent glazes of colour help to unify, while allowing the original, fresh brushstrokes to show through. I love the way this mimics the earth’s surface; layers of pattern and decay built up over time.
“The purpose of art is the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.”
Glenn Gould
BIO
Originally from England, I graduated from Leeds University with a degree in Textile Design. After a period of travel in South East Asia, I worked in London for several years as a designer and colourist. My focus shifted to painting in 1999 when I moved to a small island in the Caribbean; the luminosity of the tropical waters - in such stark contrast to the muted colours of London - inspired seascapes in oil pastel.
I have lived on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada since 2002.
Exhibitions & Shows
2023 Gallery Merrick, Victoria, BC - gallery artist
Moss St. Paint-in, Victoria, BC - group show
2022 Gallery Merrick, Victoria, BC - gallery artist
Coffee on the Moon, Duncan, BC - solo show
Arts in View, BlueShore Financial, North Vancouver - solo show
2021 Gallery Merrick, Nanaimo, BC - gallery artist
Nanoose Bay Art in the Garden - group show
2020 Gallery Merrick, Nanaimo, BC - gallery artist
Coffee on the Moon, Duncan, BC - solo show
2019 Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery, BC - group show
Gallery Merrick, Nanaimo, BC - gallery artist
St. Joseph’s Art Gallery, Chemainus, BC - group show
2017 Tigh-na-Mara Resort, Parksville, BC - ongoing show
Excellent Frameworks Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery, BC - group show
2016 Excellent Frameworks Gallery, Duncan, BC - solo show
2015 Excellent Frameworks Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
2014 Sooke Fine Art Show, Sooke, BC - juried show
Tangerine Dream Gallery, Cowichan Bay, BC - gallery artist
2013 Excellent Frameworks Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
2009 Excellent Frameworks Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
2007 Sooke Fine Art Show, Sooke, BC - juried show
La Pommeraie Bistro, Cobble Hill, BC - solo show
2006 Benchmark Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
Sidney Fine Art Show, Sidney, BC - juried show
Starfish Studio Gallery, Cowichan Bay, BC - gallery artist
Finer Things Gallery, Shawinigan Lake, BC - gallery artist
Imagine That Gallery, Duncan, BC - gallery artist
La Pommeraie Bistro, Cobble Hill, BC - group show
Cowichan Bay Artwalk, Cowichan Bay, BC - art fair
2005 Store Street Gallery, Victoria, BC - gallery artist
2004 Store Street Gallery, Victoria, BC - gallery artist
Benchmark Gallery, Duncan, BC - group show
2002 Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola, W. Indies - solo show
Mango Tango Gallery, St. Thomas, USVI - gallery artist