Inspiration
I first came to the USA 15 years ago for a vacation, but did not visit New England until 2006. A Fall tour of 6 states revealed to me a unique beauty and diversity, from foliage to mountains. I moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 2007, which has definitely influenced my work. I am inspired by landscape, fascinated with capturing a moment in time, weather, the midday horizon, or lights in a distant skyline. Culture and environment provide inspiration for my work; the seasons, the skylines, the history and architecture, beaches and marshes, night and day - the moods of New England have, and continue to inform my work.
Process
Process is very important to me, combining acrylics and varnish with my hands promotes fluidity. I use acrylic because of its fast drying characteristics, which allow me to use labour-intensive layering techniques to capture depth of colour whilst also being able to manipulate texture. Combining varnish and gloss mediums with the acrylic brings light and negative space into the work. I treat each piece as an experiment and try to push the materials to their limits.
Using my Hands
Using my hands gives me a sense of texture and a visceral feel; it’s important for me to use my hands as my instrument, to lay down the paint. I don’t like brush marks, marks of tools - I feel that any marks should come from me, the same way a sculptor would use their hands to sculpt clay. My hands refine the painting process. Painting with my hands feels honest.
Environment
Light and perspective alters paintings. The way acrylic reacts to light appeals to me. It captures you at different times in the day, bringing you deep into the canvas, or anchoring you in the present. This adds to the sense of urgency, or calm - the moment in time.