Alison Auldjo

I would describe my work as a personal response to, and need of, the landscape as a means of release, appreciation and escapism.

My paintings are not necessarily traditional or representational and it is only recently I have realised that there is an important element of autobiography in the work. I turn to, and rely on, the landscape to express emotions. I find that it is in natural surroundings that I can realise my inner most feelings: be they joy, uncertainty or longing. Often I deliberately seek out the remotest places, or most comforting, to reflect or to record important developments in my life.

I find landscape matches my ideas and my "style" of painting very well - it is endless, full of possibility and non-restrictive. There is also an obvious, untampered beauty in the landscape that one can only aspire too.

Titling the work is either instant or very difficult. Sometimes there is the need for escapism so the work is christened "Beyond" or "The other side" etc.

In practice, I strive and embrace the challenge of achieving painterly qualities. I like paintings that demonstrate how the work was fought with and nurtured. I like "battle scars", mark making and layers of thought. I tend to stop at nothing to a...

BA HONS, Drawing & Painting, Edinburgh College of Art 1999.