'Cluster' 2006 silver birch branch, down filled insulation
Underpinning my work is a continuing exploration of landscape; my interpretation of a geographical context, of an out- door environment. At times this ventures towards 'wilderness', as subject matter and muse, and a wilderness of form within the work.
This broad inspiration develops into a spectrum of themes of; history, geology, Scale and Time, environmental shifts, human and animal habitation, and co-existence and presence in potentially hostile environments.
What becomes inseparable with the idea of these environments and constructs is the notion of the Sublime; a beauty which is harsh and horrific, a joy of the terrifying. I think this is a key element in my understanding and relationship with the land and something which continually fascinates me. 'A horrific delight', two elements so opposed the merge and interrelation is thrilling.
Through my work these main themes overlap and intertwine. The scales of these themes oscillate between a personal individual scale and a larger- global, geological, geographical one.
This over lapping and double exposure of ideas and imagery develops and constructs possible metaphors in my work.
This has manifested as sculptural and installation works and drawings.
My works' character is ever changing. Through the materials chosen, and construction methods, there is an element of resolved, justified, clarity, but continually and perhaps more explicitly within individual aspects and within the work overall I feel there is immediacy, an impolite rawness.
To illustrate; the conception and construction of the work offers materials such as : raw weathered zinc driven into planed octagonal pine, a found and cherished talisman of antler, bone, wood, or quartz, sewn breathable rip stop waterproof nylon, carved out letters of sandstone from a 13th century quarry, torches, a scrimshawed fingernail, camping gas stoves, horse hair and plaster, intangible light, horseshoe fungus, hair skin, images swept clear by the semi-circular motions of a windswept branch and pine needles…
Detail from 'bewilderness hardware' 2007 installation, work in photo; pine poles, zinc, torches, steel
My work provides connections between interrelated subjects. I draw upon these background ideas to produce work which highlights different aspects from a huge subject, without necessarily providing direct connections, and as a result may start to suggest or fulfil a situation on the brink.
'Silver nest' 2007, silver fabric bag, moss, blue tit
Detail from 'meteorites and searchlights' 2006 installation, sycamore saplings, pine frame, fabric strapping, tissue curtain, projection of sea fog, torches
'TAP TAP TAP' 2007 , black waterproof nylon, suit lining, sand stone
