MY PROCESS
My paintings are acrylic and mixed media. I build up my work in bold layers of expressive color and marks. I don’t use paint sparingly as I love the expression of thick paint-it makes me feel alive! I use different materials to keep the work exciting and energetic and to create different references. Acrylic means I can work fast. My subject is often the figure as I’m forever fascinated about people’s emotional connection to their world. The layers in my painting intuitively reflect the twists and turns in our lives.Different marks and textures speak of the inspiring, juicy part of ourselves that we cant explain in words.
I challenge myself to find a combination of realism and abstract marks in painting. A painting is finished for me when I find that vivid and sometimes unexpected story of my subject and of myself through the work. References, marks and colors come together in unusual ways. It’s a story that only I can tell and that connects uniquely with the viewer.
A bit more about me
I studied Fine Art at Chelsea and Westminster, London after getting a BA in Spanish Literature and Economics at the University of Leeds, UK. I have always been passionate about painting the figure. I’ve studied the human form for 20 years.
My life and work has taken me in other directions as media executive, publisher and mother. The richness of my human and cultural experiences are critical to my art and who I am. I intuitively express my connection with people through painting. Abstract painter, Helen Frankenhaler has influenced me from an early age. I love her bold expression and character. I also love many contemporary artists including Amy Dury, Anslem Keifer and David Hockney. Combining my study of the figure and all the emotions and connections of humanity in an abstract form through exciting marks and color is what I strive to achieve in my art.
I work intuitively and I work with no plan. I let the materials and subject lead the way. The idea behind this is that the paintings teach me who I am as I build up layers of paint and collage. I often scrape back layers to revel amazing marks. When I feel I have a balance of layers, value, color, texture and I feel they emotionally connect to me with a “yes”, I know it’s done.
