Page 103 - Winter Issue

The idea of heaven and earth in constant tension
appears in your work. How do you explore this
through color, form, and composition?
This tension between heaven and earth is representative of
the struggle between our egoic self and our divine or
spiritual self.
My paintings have often been described as dynamic and
primordial and I have explored these ideas at times through
sweeping lines and the contrast of dark with light, the light Hope Acrylic on canvas, 30x30cm, 2023
highlighting glistening jewels of awakening. My current work
is considerably brighter and more colorful as it reflects less
struggle and a more enlightened awareness within myself
than my earlier works.
How has international exposure influenced you?
The core concept of my work has remained the same for
some time now, but exposure to other artists outside of the
studio and outside of my country, particularly London,
within the exhibition space, has encouraged me to
experiment more in some aspects, perhaps to produce an
exhibition with the confidence of minimal works or indeed
the opposite it required, but mostly it has allowed me to
permit myself to stand over my work, to not fall into the
trap of fitting a trend. Once I know I have been authentic in
its making, a painting no longer needs to be affirmed.
In what ways has your art education influenced you?
Teaching visual art was an opportunity to encourage my A new earth Acrylic on canvas, 30x30cm, 2023
students to explore their authentic selves through art, this
could sometimes be limiting with a restricted curriculum but
with an open discussion on the social and political context
of art history, this allowed them to see themselves within
the context of a bigger picture. Ultimately my place was to
provide a safe place where they in turn could recognize the
role of presence in the making of their art.
How does being part of major collections influence
your work and your approach to new projects?
Being included in art collections is wonderful without a
doubt, as the paintings now can be cared for and seen by
future generations. It’s always good to know that perhaps
my message or influence or some part of my practice
however small will hope to inspire to some degree others
long after I’m gone.
With a history of awards and recognitions, including
the Osten Biennial Special Award, how do these
accolades shape or inspire the future direction? Glimpse Acrylic on canvas, 30x30cm, 2023
Accolades do not influence my work but rather encourage
and inspire the continuance of my practice, to be
acknowledged with an award is always reassuring, we all
need to be affirmed at times and as the practice of painting
can be quite a solitary pursuit so to receive recognition from
one’s peers although not a necessary part of one’s practice
is nonetheless reassuring.

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