Working Process

As a self-taught artist, my development has been trial and error and constant practice in finding my voice in the subject for the last ten years. Currently, I am investigating the cycle of life and evolution, focusing on the human form and the spiritual or subconscious being in a Surrealist style.

 

I am not interested in the true likeness of the form but the idea it represents. Due to my love for the ocean, the work Incorporates waves, boats and various types of bodies of water, often using symbolism to bring forward an idea. Symbolism such as boats as a right of passage and hope, butterflies to represent re-birth or transmutation from one phase to the next. To me, the ocean is a giver and taker of life. I enjoy working with oils and mixed mediums to add texture and body to my work; therefore, I tend to work primarily in impasto.

My painting process evolved from observation of life models and nature itself. However, I tend to approach my work by first creating a tone on the canvas, make a mark and see where it leads when I don't have something plan or I simply paint from memory. However, For my last project I started planning basic geometrical forms and expanding into the idea of the project. Also the basic sketches help me to visualise where I was going with it.

 

My current goal is to work on Surreal Self-Portraits that delve into my subconscious and explore self-identity's complexities through surreal symbolism. Surreal Self-Portraits are not merely depictions of the artist's true likeness; they are mirrors reflecting the complexities and contradictions that make up the human psyche. Where the artist steps beyond the bounds of reality, transcending the limitations of the physical self to reveal the hidden facets of their identity.


My second goal is to investigate abstract figurative sculpture. I enjoy working with my hands and the feel and touch of an object before I change its shape to be able to see something three-dimensional in my mind's eyes and bring it to life.

My working process or my approach to sculpture is based on images from nature, life itself, that I  sketch in three dimensions to obtain as many details as possible in a semi-abstract form. I often work with the following materials: Sandstone, Soapstone, Plaster of Paris, Air dry Clay, Gesso, Metallic off-cuts and I make use of wire armature to obtain a form and negative space.