Artist's Statement

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My paintings could be described as ‘remembered landscapes’ (to quote Joan Mitchell). They represent an emotional response to a place or situation, distilled and then transformed into a painting on a 2-dimensional surface.

With a Sociology major, I’m a keen observer of people and groups of people. We face a new reality, with inordinate levels of uncertainty - I hope this painting speaks to the historic moment, simultaneously inspiring hope in the face of such a fragile future.

A jazz singer for many years, I am well practiced at appearing on stage and feel comfortable performing. My artistic process typically starts with performance, often with a random throwing of ink, or some large spray gun gestures.

Seemingly random, these initial marks set the structure and spatial balance of the work. Often a painting’s success is determined at this early ‘performance’ stage. 

Once the ink dries, the layering begins – spray paint, acrylic paint, ink pen, oil bar, graphite, crayon, fabric collage and more spray paint to achieve harmony and balance.  Like Monet’s obsession with his garden pond at Giverny, I am obsessed with water and swimming. Much of my work involves water, as I attempt to capture the sense of freedom associated with being afloat. Whether it’s in South Africa, France, Scotland or elsewhere in the world - I love to swim.

Artists who inspire me are, amongst others and in no particular order: Hundertwasser, !Xun and Khwe Khoi San artists, Patrick Heron, Joan Mitchell, Frank Bowling, Nengi Omuku, David Hockney, Lennox Dunbar, Matisse, Monet and Bonnard.