Artist’s statement

I am drawn to how we as people shape our environment; how we carve out areas of landscape to suit our purposes, and how this sits, often uncomfortably within the natural surroundings.

My recent series of paintings are inspired by the colours and sense of infiltration of harsh artificial light butting up against the beauty of the natural light of dusk. Where urban life meets trees and countryside, human beings and their environment rubbing shoulders.

I find my subject matter when I am out exploring either on a run or a walk. I may take some photos and then return later with a sketchbook to collect more information. I make the final painting back in my studio, working quickly, building layers, using acrylic paints for speed. Painting for me is an act of blind faith. I am constantly looking for something I don’t exactly know, but immediately recognise at the same time. It is a necessary process.

Bio

I am an artist living in Brighton, UK.

Having studied in Bristol for a Fine Art degree in the early 1990s, I have exhibited in group and solo shows since this time. I am currently a member of the Sussex Watercolour Society and the Society of Sussex painters, regularly exhibiting with these groups throughout Sussex. I also enjoy taking part in group exhibitions with the Brighton Artist Open Houses during May. I submit work to various Open Calls, this year being selected as a finalist for the Jackson’s Art prize and subsequently being taken to the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead and then Bankside Gallery. Previous years include paintings selected for the ING Discerning Eye, Worthing Biennial and Gerald Moore gallery in London.

Sustainability and recycling is important to me. Canvases and boards are often made from abandoned, discarded or donated wood already in existence.

My artistic inspirations are fluid and everchanging. From the ever-masterful lines of Matisse to the bold use of colour by the Fauve artists, the importance of the negative spaces in Mondrian’s tree paintings, and many wonderful inspiring artists who are currently on Instagram. Inspirations come from all aspects of life; quotes in books, films, songs, something overheard in conversation, the quiet drama of the South Downs.

You can read an interview with me here with Sophie Skelton from “Behind the Artist”

EXHIBITIONS:

2024

“Precious Little” selected group exhibition, The Old Lock Up Gallery, Derbyshire

"Conceal Reveal”, selected group exhibition at Liberation Art Gallery, Brighton

Bath Open 2024, selected group exhibition, Victoria Art Gallery , Bath

“Abstract” group exhibition of contemporary Sussex artists, Danny House, Hurstpierpoint

Artwave 24, Sussex watercolour society mixed exhibition, Lewes

Jacksons Art Prize Finalists exhibition, Bankside Gallery, London

‘Connections’, Liberation Art Gallery, Brighton

Society of Sussex Painters group show, The Grange Gallery, Rottingdean

Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, Jackson’s Art Prize Stand

Art At 21, Artist Open House, Seven Dials, Brighton

‘Art In Bloom’, Liberation Art Gallery, Brighton

Lost & Found Brewery Taproom, solo exhibition April

Society of Sussex Painters Centenary Exhibition, Worthing Museum & Art Gallery

2023

OPEN23 worthing museum & art gallery selected mixed exhibition

ING Discerning Eye 2023 the Mall Galleries, London

“A Quiet Wisdom” mixed exhibition of contemporary Sussex artists, Danny House, Hurstpierpoint

Artwave 23, Sussex watercolour society mixed exhibition, Lewes

Lost & Found Brewery Taproom solo exhibition June 2023

“A Slash of Blue” selected mixed exhibition, Gerald Moore Gallery, London SE9 4RW

Jane Palmer & Friends, Artist Open Houses, Fiveways, Brighton

2022

Sussex Contemporary 2022, i360 Brighton Seafront, selected mixed exhibition.

“From Downs to the Sea”, Danny House, Hurstpierpoint - mixed exhibition

“Into the light” selected mixed exhibition, Regency Town House, Hove

Jane Palmer & Friends, Artist Open Houses, Fiveways, Brighton

2019 and before

Nou Wave Gallery, Bermondsey, London 2019 - mixed exhibition

Moe’s@the circus, solo exhibition, Brighton. Sept - May 2018

British Fascia Symposium, Solihull 2018

Stanley Road Store @ Buddy and Beehive, Brighton 2017

Studio 45, Brighton 2017

Stanley Road Store, Artists Open Houses, Brighton 2016

Duke of York’s cinema, Brighton - throughout 2016

Jilted Dog Art Gallery, Brighton - solo exhibition 2014

Cavaliero Finn Contemporary Art, London SE24 2010

Cavaliero Finn Contemporary Art, London SE24 2006

Artists Open Houses, Brighton 2002

Art For Nation, Dukes Lane, Brighton 2001

Willy Gunns, London SW18 - solo exhibition 2001

Clapham Picture House, London SW4 - solo exhibtion 2001

Lemon Orbit @ 333 Club, London EC1 - solo exhibition 1998

Clapham Art Gallery, London SW4 - solo exhibition 1997

The Knapp Gallery, London NW1 - solo exhibition 1997

Minds Eye Gallery, selected mixed exhibition, Enfield 1997