Manifesto

My main theme is the exploration of detail. Though initially my fascination was with detail in nature more recently it has extended to the man made as I have examined images of the internal structure of metals which have caught my imagination. Though the results are seemingly abstract, the works are referenced from photographs taken whilst bushwalking, one of my other passions or from images passed on to me by a son who works in metallurgy. I concentrate on following, interpreting and recreating the colours, lines, shapes and textures of the minute details of form and patterns.

While most people probably look at the whole scene when they happen upon an outlook or vista, my eyes soon travel from the big picture, interesting as it is, to examining the details. I gaze at the lace patterns of waves running up the shore, at the contours and colours in rocks which form mini landscapes all of their own and draw neverending inspiration from the intricacy and complexity of this close up view.

I work in paint, pencil and printmaking, often using the same subject matter in the different media. In painting I like to focus on colour and texture, combining string and impasto with oil and acrylic to increase the illusion of depth. In drawing too I enjoy creating the illusion of depth but also revel in intricacy of line. In printmaking in particular I delight in seeing how using colour, black and white, hand colouring, collage or mixed media affects the visual image and hence our interpretation of it.

Everyone seems to see something different in my work and this, to me, is another constant fascination.