I have always had a creative side but never had time to spend on it. In 2018 my family and I moved to Singapore from the US and I suddenly had the free time to focus on my art. I very intensely experimented with acrylics (and other water based paints) and began selling shortly after. I am completely self-taught through experimentation.
My work evolves instinctively, involves multiple layers and textures, and references vintage painting techniques and mediums. I am inspired by historical architecture and try to invoke the feeling of old buildings with their peeling, cracking paint and multiple layers of history. Painting is a form of meditation for me so I love when people tell me that my work is calming, because I was calming myself when I painted it.
My work falls into areas of abstract expressionism, partial abstraction, and representational with Richter being a favorite artist of mine. I don’t restrict myself to one style as I paint as a meditative practice with expression, experimentation, and inspiration being important aspects. I also purposefully don’t study artistic movements or techniques as I value originality immensely, and find it difficult, even with abstract work, to create original work. Abstraction, in all its forms, is my favorite style as a collector, and though
I appreciate the skill involved in all styles, it is the one I am drawn to the most. I often have to add abstraction to a painting if I find it is leaning too far into reality.
Normally my inspiration comes from my photography, music, an abandoned building, or an experience in nature. Each piece involves 4 to 5 layers so the piece may change direction depending on how the base layers turn out. Sometimes I finish a piece only to rework it later. Some of my favorite pieces have come from paintings that just weren’t working, but were then turned into something else entirely. Music is also a very important part of my process. I can’t paint without music, and what I am listening to at the time has an impact on the direction of the piece.
Abandoned or ancient architecture, macro shots of nature, meditation, color combinations and music… In my piece ‘Fake Plastic Trees’ you can see the rusty, peeling, layered aspects of an abandoned building with a bit of nature peeking through. I search for images of abandoned buildings and take pictures myself of interesting bits of peeling paint or rusted metal. I am also inspired by moss and vines and the way they interact with stone and structure.
I work with mainly acrylic, gouache, inks, and other water based paints. Almost all the textures in my work are created with paint techniques, not mediums. I prefer acrylic and gouache because of their versatility and ease with which I can create different looks. I use many tools such as pallet knives, wedges, scrapers, in addition to traditional paint brushes.
Painting is a meditative process for me so I hope that the feelings of calm, ease, and balance are conveyed in the final work.
I am new to art as a profession so it hasn’t evolved much but I am constantly changing and evolving my style and techniques and flow with what is satisfying to me at the time and what I am inspired by at the moment.
Growth from ruins is a common theme for me with vintage, distressed architecture and furniture as well as botanicals. My home is covered in ivy and vines which I find both beautiful, comforting and inspiring.
I’ve only just moved to Ireland from Singapore last year but I find the art scene here very refreshing, collaborative and relaxed. I am intensely inspired by my surroundings as we live in the village of Enniskerry. It is the perfect place for creative exploration.
I find commissions to be challenging. When I take on the challenge of a commission for someone else I am adding anxiety to a process that is supposed to be relaxing. I now only take commissions if the client is very loose with their expectations and lets me follow my process.
If I am struggling with a piece I step away from it and am able to come back after waiting for direction. I add layers and try other techniques until it sits well with me.
My favorite piece right now is one that doesn’t receive a lot of attention due to its muted color palette but for me it is meaningful and will stay hanging on my wall. I enjoy that the longer you stare at it the more you discover. I feel that I was able to convey the feeling of discovering a lovely mural or antique wallpaper under years and layers of paint.
I’m not a fan of social media but know that it can be a great resource. I detest sharing images of myself and making videos is not a strong suit of mine. I just want to be able to share my work with those that will appreciate it and don’t feel the desire to instruct or entertain, which is the content that Instagram is seeking.
That being said I don’t think I would be where I am without it, and value it for the connectivity it can facilitate.
I dabble in macro photography as a result of taking inspiration photos for my paintings. I also have a love of vintage furniture and upcycling. Music is a large part of my process and I do sing but can’t play any instruments unfortunately.
I am currently working on a series inspired by vintage wallpaper and birdcages. I am also trying to work on smaller pieces as I tend to be drawn to large canvases.
Interview with the Artist : Dara Lynch
Interview with the Artist : Orla Doyle
Interview with the Artist : Lucia Cullinane
Interview with the Artist : Gaye Moore
Interview with the Artist : Heidi Bouz
Interview with the Artist : Jelena Straiziene
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There can be no copy or any other reproduction in any form without the permission of the Artist.
