'The presence of absence'

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Norfolk is my home county  and I studied Fine Art Painting to MA level at Norwich University of the Arts (formerly Norwich School of Art and Design). As a figurative artist living and working in rural Norfolk,  landscape forms the foundation of my visual language and acts as a vehicle for ideas, memories, emotions and life experiences. Creating my paintings begins with photograhs, sketches and observations drawings. Drawing is important to me and the process helps me develop ideas before committing to paint. 

 

My main medium is egg tempera. The process is exacting and deeply meditative. Its delicate layering and luminosity allows me to explore the subtle atmosphere and “other-worldly” qualities that can exist within a landscape. I seek to create light, shadow and texture in my work, transforming visual impressions into a sense of presence.

 

I maintain my profile as an exhibiting artist in multiple solo and group exhibitions and completed commissions, resulting in my work being held in many private collections here and abroad. I have extensive curatorial and arts management experience and also advise students on their art practice.

 

I have been actively involved in local arts events such as  North Norfolk Exhibition Project (Salhouse) and Open Studios. For many years in the past I  managed artists' affordable studio at  Zeroeast Art Studios Ltd and Warehouse Artists Studios Ltd and have supported other artists, individually or in small groups by teaching, sharing specialist techniques, giving talks

and workshops. In addition to this, I set up The Artree Studio Club to teach painting techniques.  

 

Artists who have significantly influenced my work include Eric Ravilious, John Nash, David Inshaw, Anne Ovenden, Anna Sweeten, and the late Irish egg tempera painter Fergus Ryan, whose words continue to resonate through my practice: 

 

“The ancient landscape is far from empty; it is everywhere filled with the presence of absence.”

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