Artist Statement

As an artist, my practice centres on exploring botanicals, particularly flowers, through oil and acrylic paints on canvas. My work celebrates colour and nuance, capturing the intricate folds, light, and shades of nature’s creations. Through these paintings, I aim to offer viewers a contemplative and meditative experience, inviting them to find joy and pleasure in the beauty of the natural world.

I draw inspiration from the idea of imbuing simple objects with emotional significance – finding joy in their beauty and essence, capturing the contemplative moments and symbolic presence that they offer. Flowers, with their associations to beauty, fragility, growth, transience and renewal, hold a special place in both society and art. By focusing on these subjects, I seek engagement with the natural beauty that surrounds us.

My approach to still life painting is deeply influenced by my academic background in art history, particularly through my postgraduate studies on the still life works of Giorgio Morandi. Morandi’s work focused on the emotional and existential resonance found in simple, commonly overlooked objects. His quiet study of form and light taught me to find beauty in the humblest things, inspiring me to infuse my work with a search for meaning in the smallest details of the world around us.

Equally influential is Georgia O’Keeffe, whose close-up compositions of flowers are imbued with surprising emotional depth, presence and intimacy. O’Keeffe’s work resonates with me for its ability to evoke a deep connection between the viewer and subject.

In my paintings, I aim to weave together these influences – quiet introspection and vibrant magnification. My goal is to create works that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the delicate nuances of the natural world, evoking a sense of intimacy and wonder.

Through this portfolio, I hope to share the essence of my artistic journey and inspire others to discover moments of peace and delight in the everyday wonders around us.