Artist Statement:
My art is inspired first and foremost by what I see, feel and experience. It is a celebratory art that refers to the historical traditions of the landscape and the nude.
I have an affinity for nature, preferring secluded environments that are free from the ebb and flow of people. My landscapes are often expressive and colourful and rarely include signs of life. Hillsides, valleys, forests, creeks and rugged foreshores are recurring themes.
I am also compelled to explore the female form and in establishing an intimate visual relationship with the subject. Backgrounds are only important as blank backdrops, allowing the focus of attention to remain fixed on the nude.
I primarily work in oils on linen for the love of the physicality of the medium. My technique usually begins with sketches and digitally altered images. Through the digital process, I am able to experiment with overlaying imagery and manipulating compositional elements. Once multiple variations are developed as preparatory studies, I output selected versions to use as references, painting in a style that is free and intuitive. Colour is used to embellish, in the sense of adding to the aesthetic or emotional density of the composition.
Exhibitions:
Solo Exhibitions:
2013 COLOURSCAPES, Gallery V, Sydney
2005 INSTINCT, Gardner Galleries, Melbourne
2004 OBSESSIONS, Soho Galleries, Sydney
2003 SMALL VISTAS, Soho Galleries, Sydney
1998 IMPRESSIONS, Soho Galleries, Sydney
1997 COLOURING, Soho Galleries, Sydney
1996 PANORAMAS, Soho Galleries, Sydney
1995 LANDMARKS, Gallery 331, Brisbane
1994 AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION, Limner Gallery, New York
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2015 Soho Galleries, Sydney
2014 Norvill Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, Murrurundi
2012 Glover Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, Evandale
2010 Norvill Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, Murrurundi
2003 Greenhill Galleries, Adelaide
New England Regional Art Gallery, Armidale
2002 Limner Gallery, New York
New England Regional Art Gallery, Armidale
1999 Soho Galleries, Sydney
1998 Tattersall's Invitational Art Prize, Brisbane
Art Images Gallery, Adelaide
Art Associates, Melbourne
1997 AUSTRALIAN IN PARIS, Miromesnil Fine Art, Paris
1996 Art Images Gallery, Adelaide
1995 SALON DES REFUSES, S. H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney
Kirkcaldy Davies Gallery, Melbourne
1990 Kimberley Art Gallery, Brisbane
1988 Australian Bicentennial Art Prize Finalists Exhibition, School of Arts, Brisbane
1985 Jim Edwards & Friends At The White House, Brisbane
Artistic Influences:
I am inspired by the works of Paul Gauguin and the landscapes of William Turner. My figurative works show subtle references to Caravaggio and the old masters as well as the vibrant works of the modern masters, Willem De Kooning and Rainer Fetting.
