In process and content my paintings explore interrelationships between creation and destruction, chaos and order. These themes play out in layers of physical, psychological and social, references in the final work: I am fascinated by human traces referenced in urban waste ground and industrial dereliction. These textures, tones, colours and forms stimulate my imagination.
- The first layer draws upon memories of Liverpool in the aftermath of the Second World War. I searched through layers of rubble, shards of rusty metal and shattered bricks on bombsites to discover what lay beneath. Memories of this are evoked in the sense of discovery/uncovery which continues in my artistic process as imagery emerges in the process of painting.
- The second layer addresses themes of physical isolation and emotional alienation.
- The third layer reference symbols of scapegoats and hero figures who survive destructive processes..
- The fourth layer articulates a search for self and exploration of the complexities of masculinity identity in 21st Century.
CV:
- Laird School of Art, Birkenhead
- Emigrated to Australia
- Southampton College
- Lanchester Polytechnic Art Dept. Coventry (Diploma in Art and Design).
- Goldsmiths College, London (PGDip Art Teaching, Specialism: Art Therapy)
- NHS 25 years Clinical Art Therapist (child and adolescent)
- Founder member of Macclesfield Artists’ Enterprise ‘Format’: studio and exhibition space, shared learning, life drawing
Exhibitions:
In the North West: Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Stockport. and open studios Hope Mill Ancoats
