Liquid Light II, 2016 Painting

Painting: Ink, Gesso, Acrylic and Wax on marine ply On viewing this painting at The Other Art Fair in Spring 2017, a visitor told me this painting made him think of freedom. It captures a sense of space and light breaking through underneath a layer of cloud. The minimal hint of land at the bottom of the picture means that the viewers eyes are primarily focused on the sky. I hope that this will open up a sense of hope and possibility for the viewer. Liquid Light II was made using light fast acrylic inks on gesso on a custom made marine ply base. I mix the gesso from scratch and build it up in layers, sanding between each layer to create a smooth, porcelain-like surface. Once the surface is ready, I build up layers using the inks. Brushes, sandpaper, wire wool and wood carving tools, help me to push the inks into the surface to create the painting. The journey of each painting starts with walking and running, observational drawings and 'fast' photography. I aim to capture the root of an experience, rather than the specific place, and often rely on body memory and intuition when painting in the studio. The paintings are a type of conversation between the materials and me. I am influenced by changes of light, land and weather in the world around me.