My work is historically inspired by artists including Victor Pasmore, Ivon Hitchen, Albert Irvin, Peter Lanyon, and Adrian Berg. As well as being inspired by contemporary artists such as Shara Hughes’ forms and colour layers and Julie Mehretu’s mark making, layering, and political and social influences in her work. By studying these artists techniques and manner of observing and painting the landscape, I contextualise my work through the observations of their compositions, use of colour, and brushmarks. The post-impressionists and Vincent Van Gogh have always been one of my founding inspirations, as have the colourist-inspired Yorkshire landscapes of David Hockney. 

 

In common with Hockney and Van Gogh in their stays in Normandy and Arles respectively, during lockdown, I have walked and explored my local vicinity, like they before me, and have been inspired by what is on my doorstep. Wandering alone, and taking in what I see before me helps me connect with nature. This then brings me to Aboriginal Art which also inspires me, not just the visual impact 

but also the spiritual connection of the people to the land and aspects of their culture such as the ‘walkabout’ and ‘dreamtime.’ I have found that spending so much time in nature has been a rite of passage, like the young Aboriginals sent out into the outback and left to survive, like them I have harmonised with nature, and the spirits of the trees, plants, and animals have entered my own dream world and in turn have cleansed my own psyche and spirit. 

 

In the past, I have referenced cartographic influences from paper maps to GPS. Using maps as a resource material enables me to create a framework for a composition. I use places where I have recently walked or visited in which my memories and experiences are fresh.