NEW

I find myself at a new place. I was ill last year with a rare tumour, which was removed, but I emerged a different man physically, and my work is driven by something different, I can't explain it but perhaps it will become clearer as I paint more.

My current work is based on a process of letting the paint take its own form on the canvas. When it’s dried, I work with it, slowly adding layers of colour, lifting the energy of the canvas, until it has energy, so it almost vibrates. It is partly planned, and partly happens on its own. A bit like life, I guess.

The work is become  more abstract at one level, but on another level, look closer... there are many references to San rock art, oriental art and symbols. Difficult to see on a computer screen, but in real life they have an interesting effect on perception.

People often ask how I title paintings. I don’t want the title to define things too tightly. I was led to Haiku poems through researching oriental painting techniques, so I’ve been playing with them in some of the work. Haiku allows me to play on suggested meanings, without defining, with lightness. Some of the most thrilling Haiku describe well-known daily situations as an exciting, brand new experience. Each should contain a kigo, or season word, which indicates what time of year the Haiku is set. Others are named for a reference in my own mind.

Please also look at the Monoprint section for more new work on paper done at The Artists' Press this year.