My contemporary figurative paintings explore the human experience. I’m fascinated by how we see, observe and make sense of our world and who we are. This is at the centre of all my figurative work.

I start a painting by depicting the overall shape of the figure and its movement and rhythm. Followed by an intuitive layering process working with paint/collage/ink to explore the tension and balance in the subject. It’s a kind of dance, a push and pull with the work. There are lots of choices and decisions, there’s a lot of deliberation but at the same time a need to step outside of the process in order to make it happen and open up possibilities.

I also enjoy creating modern watercolours, using the media and elements of design in a non-traditional way. These paintings are vibrant, fresh and often include ink, bold mark-making and collage.

Creativity involves risk, I like to remain open to chance and push boundaries where I can. After a while the work creates a story, a question or reveals something unexpected. Art can be an activity that is an anchor for the present moment and can open our hearts.

‘The hand, the eye and the heart are what’s required when making any kind of artwork.’ David Hockney