I am a multi-disciplinary visual artist and performer with an interest in abstract expressionism and absurdity. My paintings are energetic, layered, and colourful with a messy and chaotic feel. There is a child-like playfulness that runs through my work and a spontaneity that makes the work feel alive and busy. My work is about the inner world and exploring trauma healing and masks, often using clown characters posed by others, but always with a connection back to my own emotions, physiology and biochemistry. 

 

I like the textures, layers, colour and messiness of the street art and peeling posters in Bristol where I live. I'm inspired by this busy environment along with the emotional explorations, compassion and curiosity from my personal therapy and clowning practice. I am influenced by the rawness of Basquiat and the complex mutli-media layers of Ian Francis, and many other artists. I want people to feel energised by my work, to relate to it in some way or feel moved to spend time exploring it.

 

My process is rooted in my own wellbeing practices and I try to approach a blank canvas like a child, with scribbles, smudges, splashes of paint, collage and thirst to try new things. After a period of time has passed, I return to a canvas with an idea of the subject matter. I use the random and spontaneous underlayers to inform composition and creative decisions. I include biological diagrams, bold and bright colours, geometric shapes, layers, collage and mixed media using posca pens, acrylic paint, household paint, nail varnish, gaffa tape, inks and oil pastels. My artwork is energetic, vibrant, authentic to me and it's fun, despite the subject matter being dark or challenging at times.