Artist Studio

studio 1 I paint because I want to record, communicate, recreate, create an idea, object, place and or feeling. I believe art whether it be painting, music, drama etc can lift us out of everyday routine. Participation is the key; the doing, or the viewing or the listening. I strive to make beautiful and or challenging work. I enjoy putting colours, shapes and lines together; to make order from chaos.This involves decision making which become more intuitive if the work is going well, and a balance between freedom and control.

studio 2 Although at times I have used pastels etc I am now painting in oils. I like their versatility. They can be opaque or transparent and you can move them round or wipe them off. I put several layers of paint on and although this takes time it contributes to the richness of color that I strive for. I have several themes which tend to recur over time. These include rocks and water, nikau in their natural setting of the NZ bush, and other 'transitory' themes which are usually reactive to some personal events in my life at that time.

studio 3 A finished piece must have a unity. It must say more than a snapshot of the same object or place. It should also have impact; not necessarily a loud one. There is strength in stillness, quietness and peace. Colour is important, so too, light and dark. I prefer a palette that is subdued but rich. I like the colour blue, but I use it sparingly as it can be very strong as is for example cerulean. I use blues to make greens and greys. They have the qualities of purity, peace and depth. I would like my work to have these qualities too.