Statement

I am attracted to scenes of daily life, mundane images and objects.  We develop a special psychological relationship with the things that happen to be in front of our faces, things we do not choose to look at.  These things are in our life coincidentally, in between the places we intend to be.  My practice aims to reverse this relationship, to intentionally spend time in the in-between places.  The careful observation and rendering of these scenes reveals my psychological relationship with them.

This idea has emerged from my painting choices over time, beginning with the still lives I assembled with materials at hand in and around my studio.  These materials were very utilitarian, lacking emotional stock. From here I began to paint scenes, to replicate what is in front of me on my commute or during one of these ‘in-between’ times.  I painted the bathroom sink, plumbing behind Acme etc.  I began painting windows as they surround me on every walk, bus or car ride I take. I am always spending a transitory moment with them, and I wanted to once again reverse the situation, and carefully observe them. Like lifting a rock to reveal a society of bugs, I found a rich collection of metaphors and meaning.

I begin by painting a faithful representation of my subject, but the process of observation and the material of paint itself leads me towards invention.  The seed of the painting is always in representation, but it is not the ultimate goal. My paintings represent the time I spend in conversation with my subject.

‘Orange Window’, 2024, mono print