Looking back over the last 12 years, I can see that I have been on an enquiring journey discovering what makes for cultural identity. This journey has been strongly influenced by a very lucky chance to travel to far flung places such as India and the Far East: China, Lao, Cambodia and Myanmar; West to Mexico and last year I visited Ethiopia. Although these have been cultural tours, it has caused me to enjoy painting Still Life back in my studio in cultural terms, in as many countries that I have visited. This sounds rather serious but in fact the objects that I have brought home have not been expensive artefacts but that I have very much enjoyed arranging. I have tried to collect pieces of fabric ppropriate to that country, flowers and fruit as well as a statue or two to add to the scene that I will paint. The Ashmolean and British Museum shops have also added to my collection.
I have also been on painting holidays in India, Sri Lanka, Cuba and Morocco. Colour predominated in all these countries. On these holidays I have painted landscapes, portraits, agricultural and market scenes. Another great influence and in the same vein was spending a couple of years and much time in the British Museum drawing and observing remarkable ancient artefacts. This of course greatly improved my drawing. It also emphasised the historical importance of culture and identity of different civilisations. Over the last five years another influence has been the discovery of The Prince's Foundation School in Traditional Arts. These traditional arts again can come from anywhere in the world. I have completed at least 9 courses each taking a week. This has greatly appealed to my love of detail and I have done courses in Persian Miniatures, Mughal Miniatures, Russo-Byzantine Icon painting, Renaissance Egg Tempera and Gilding, Chinese Woodcuts and 18th C French Pastel Painting (very helpful with pastel portraits of my grandchildren). The techniques have been fascinating. Lastly I like to paint cheerful pictures, as I feel there is enough sadness in the world.