I am a painter inspired by wildlife, nature and everyday objects I see around me.
Originally from South Africa and now living in the UK my work continues to be influenced by the colours of Africa and its amazing wildlife. The way light falls on an object after a long hot day, or the long purple shadows and golden glow of a winter’s day in Africa continues to fascinate me and I am always looking to exaggerate those colours to invoke a mood or a feeling, maybe nostalgia for another place.
I like to bring elements of collage into my paintings to create texture, pattern and intrigue. I love ephemera, torn paper, words, old maps and patterned paper. These collage elements could be printed papers, my own handmade and hand painted papers, and in commissions more personal items such as diary excerpts, ticket stubs, travel maps, a person’s own photographs. Hiding collaged images in the work for people to find is like a treasure hunt guiding you through the work.
In my still life work I love the solidity and comfort of my favourite little blue jug, opposing the transience of fresh flowers, the way shadows fall and reflections on shiny surfaces This is where I practice and refine my skill and experiment with colour, shape, light.
