I am inspired by humanity, daily questions and answers, human expressions and beauty, the unreliable world we live in, humour, fantasies and dreams. I paint and draw imaginary figures, sometimes suggested, sometimes realistic. I create abstraction by manipulating both subject and composition with figures placed in surreal atmospheres, allowing primeval myths to emerge. Texture is added by the use of fine, abstract, parallel lines, lending depth to the painting and enticing the viewer into strange, dreamy, mythological spaces with moments of fantasy and pleasure provoking emotions and nostalgia. I favour mixed media (combining acrylic, oil paint and in some cases oil pastels) with each medium lending unique benefits in creating certain effects, allowing me to add ‘magic’ to my paintings. The dominant colour in my paintings is blue, which I use for its ability to create depth, but similarly it speaks volumes about my personality. Blue provides me with the tranquility needed to penetrate the depths of my creativity and to enjoy a variety of feelings and emotions. In light of current media and its emphasis on social media I investigate the possibility of escaping this trend. Is the daily struggle to ‘fit in’ necessary or not? I present the argument that we are all unique just as my works are all unique. The personal interpretation of each viewer regarding my work adds to the debate of how beautiful the world could be if we all exercised the individual gift of freedom of choice. Dreams and Shadows gains its narrative from my personal life with moments of fear, nostalgia, uncertainty, yet light was always beckoning from the end of the tunnel. Dramatic circumstances have helped me to build courage and confidence, shaping my character so that I could face it all with love. Love is found in most of my work embodied in the form of a woman, both evading and taking her place as subject, emphasising the role of motherhood and endurance, which have been vital to my thriving.
