Conundrum 1 Painting

I am an artist specialising in abstract art using automatic processes as a means to relinquish control and access my subconscious. It is a process that allows unexpected things to happen. Various artists have been an inspiration in my work, in particular - Joan Miro, Paul Klee, Jean Dubuffet, Andre Masson, Ian McKeever, Jeremy Gardener, Gerhard Richter and Brice Marsden. Born in Ecuador and having lived in Sarawak and Nigeria during my childhood, the natural environment that surrounds me has always been a strong influence. When I was a very young child my father took monochrome photographs of the Ecuadorian landscape. Many years later I painted those landscapes using vibrantly bright colours imprinted on my memory. I now live on the South West coast of the Isle of Wight, working from my home studio, or en plein air on the nearby downs or beach, making art in a physical way while immersed in my natural surroundings. Paintings are often shaped by my interest in primitive art and ancient cave drawings. Marks spring from a gestural dance between emotions and what lies in my peripheral vision. Compositions gradually evolve and each piece develops its own identity reaching a conclusion over several days/weeks. I work in acrylic paint, ink and found clays using monoprint and collage on canvas or paper, and working on several pieces at the same time - overlapping or integrating smaller works on top of larger works. My aim is to harness the seeming chaos of lines and marks by setting restrictions on the use of materials, or methods of application. My work is held in private collections in the UK, USA, Ireland, Australia.