I often photograph work as it progresses. The process of building an artwork fascinates me. Sometimes I go back and forth multiple times and sometimes I am done in a few long sittings. Before I start I let an idea germinate in my mind - a lot of time can be spent just sitting and staring off into space! I allow the compulsion to create guide me when exploring an art medium - intuitively, subconsciously embedding symbolism, dream imagery, marks, text and colour to tell a visual story that emerges without over planning and embracing mistakes as part of the final narrative.

The Lure 
(ANGER monster released)

When I sent photos of this developing image to friends they said: "A bit scary. Should I be worried?", "What is going on in your head?" The answer: "Nothing! It's all out there on paper!" Evolved from a situation in my life that played over in my head. An upsetting event. Troubling, worrisome and highly emotive circumstances that through drawing the monster 'Lure' helped me process and overcome the rage I felt.

Out of Africa 
(portrait commission for Gule Naa)

Alhaji-Naa Seidu Braimah Nubalanaang is a tribal leader in Ghana. I am told he is a proud prestigious man. His status governs that he will always be covered by an umbrella when in Ghana. Can you spot the Magritte inspired umbrella? Meetings of government take place under the mango trees - the lino print leaves surrounding his face. My aim was to create a piece of work that subtly symbolises his rank, culture and position. The portrait is now in situ at his palace. I hope to visit one day.

Phases 
(birth, death, afterlife)

I began researching cycles when my mother and father became elderly focusing initially on the cycle of life and our mortality. The first drawing I did, Phases, depicts the moon's cycle horizontally dissecting the image dividing the light from the dark - heaven from hell, day from night... Birth and death are represented left to right within a simplified eye shape. 

Extinguished 
(cluster headache)

In this nightmare a figure curled in the foetus position becomes a ball of fire. A bucket of alligators is thrown at them to put out the flames. I could not resist playing with this image both digitally and with mixed media. According to a dream dictionary the foetal position is about connecting with the inner child. It is a powerful symbol that can be either transformational or destructive. The fact the fire is being extinguished by alligators and crocodiles suggests an emotional attack from something or someone. Who or what is the dreamer protecting himself from? Is he going to rise like the phoenix from the flames? 

Catgate 
(anxious female - protective male)

A sad story of two tom cats that came to blows. The colours and imagery here have been used to depict the intense emotion of the situation. The female character is ugly and monstrous, witch-like, representing the feelings that drove the confrontation. She is the puppeteer controlling the men with the strength of her emotion. The men acting on her behalf come to a satisfactory agreement.