The predominant themes in my work concern light, atmosphere and a sense of space. I am continuously drawn to the landscape in order to capture a moment, or to stimulate a mood evoking memory. Using formative memories of the vast landscapes of Canada and my new experiences in the northern British landscape, I recall these moments through a variety of media, seeking to recreate the joy, tension, pressure and vulnerability that the landscape brings to me. It is through the use of photography, drawing, painting and journal writing that I research ideas and develop my themes. In my work there is a search for a fine balance between the unconscious flow and direct control of media. The space between the accidental and the deliberate offers the opportunity for areas of light, movement and emotion to exist in the work.

The horizon and the ambiguous space between earth and sky is the focus of my present work. It has long been an interest of mine and I am currently exploring the line, or space, that occurs where the two areas meet. The line that is drawn can become a space due to its weight and the tension created on either side by atmospheric conditions such as a low cloud ceiling.

This is an invaluable opportunity for a period of concentrated time on my work and access to facilities which I cannot afford alongside maintaining a studio. I want to explore the characteristics of etching, the subtlety of shading, tone and texture in my work. My aim is to develop a series of prints, renew my work in etching and enhance my overall skills whilst developing my portfolio. Through this, my work will develop in new directions.

'Pathway'
oil on panel - 25.5 x 30.5cm