Artist Statement
I have always enjoyed painting; I work with oil paints because I enjoy the freedom and flow of the paint. In my paintings I explore the emotions that we all experience. I try to capture a moment in time, exploring themes of memory, social history, nature and beauty. I like to create some ambiguity in my work by fading images in and out of the painted surface, I also work with glazes to build up an image and create an atmosphere in my paintings. I would like the viewer to take time to explore the complexities of my paintings. The careful rendering of my chosen subjects to evoke a feeling and connection with the piece. My paintings include abstract and realistic images, I enjoy getting lost in the work.
I also enjoy portraiture, it provides me with an opportunity to explore the human condition. In 2017 together with professional photographer Lorraine MacLarty we held an exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery. The exhibition "Who We Are" focused on local people who have greatly contributed to the community. A portrait and a photograph of each person was displayed along with information about them. Lorraine explored the idea of something that the community didn't know about that person. This exhibition was very successful and created a lot of interest throughout the community.
The opportunity to study my chosen subject and create a painting from that intense observation is at the core of my work.
One of my favourite quotes is by Artist Georgia O'Keeffe '' I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for"
