Man With Birds II, VOLANTE Painting

I am a freelance painter, but my creative roots are diverse, extending into the realms of tattoos, sign writing, set design, and mural painting. These disciplines have infused my current practice with depth and versatility. Art, for me, is a response—a visceral reaction to images or visions that resonate deeply, provoking a physical sensation and a transformational shift within. This philosophy is a testament to my personal narrative; born in London and raised by a single mother, my formative years in Manchester, all punctuated by a period of exploration. Confronting personal challenges and mental health, I found my refuge in art, leading me back to education. My academic path culminated in a first degree in Illustration and Visual Media from the University of the Arts London, followed by a Master's in Painting from the Royal College of Arts in 2023. My life has always been a canvas, rich with experiences that have shaped my artistic voice. Although experimental, my core process lies with acrylics on un-primed linen. Teaming expressive marks and abstract ideas with pockets of graphic detail, painted with a minimal pallet mainly monochrome and two or three colours. Currently painting surreal figurative and architectural scenes using old images and metaphors to represent modern situations. It’s a dystopian social commentary, with a twist of macabre drollery. The creation of art in series allows me to explore ideas, themes and techniques. Although the subject varies there is a continuity in the tone. I enjoy creating a sense of drama within the work. This can be dialled back to a level of contained urgency and a sense of foreboding or unleashed, in full dramatic force. Now, settled in East London, my artistry continues to evolve, resonating with the influence of my father, also a painter whose impact is a subtle but enduring presence in my work. Together, these experiences meld to define my unique aesthetic—a reflection of a life both lived and imagined, channelled through the brush strokes of a painter who finds solace and expression in the vast landscape of art.