My recent paintings look at ambiguity and identity, often challenging the inner censor and my patriarchal upbringing and subtly subverting the historical representation of marginalised women. Some paintings explore the shadow side and others offer hope.  I depict imaginary, sensual, female figures who are allowed to be who they are and sometimes not.

Responding to my emotions I let them guide the paint using rapid, gestural brushstrokes in acrylic paint and more recently oil paint. My paintings describe ethereal, inner landscapes and dream spaces. The bluish light in some of my paintings suggest the internet, TV and modern influences.

I usually begin a painting by creating an intuitive base of marks and colours on the canvas and responding to these, I allow the subconscious to create narrative within my paintings. I don’t have a set meaning at the outset but follow my sensations to let the paint extract what’s important. I like to capture the immediacy and energetic quality of a sketchbook drawing or painting. Sometimes my starting point is from sketches but often I will work directly on the canvas.

My references come from life, politics, photos and popular culture, such as music, dance, poetry and the internet.  Part of my process involves creating inquiry kinaesthetically whilst walking which feeds back into my paintings.

Inspired by nature and the seasons and I respond in a physical, personal and symbolic way. Some paintings are lighter with more delicate brushstrokes. I am becoming more interested in the space; the four sides of the canvas, what is on and what is left off the canvas and how this might describe a new space for the marginalised female.