It’s been a few weeks since I completed my 100 Petite Paper Paintings Project. I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what the experience taught me and how it might have changed my art practice. Although I did pop on to Instagram Live for an informal chat about the project (I’ll share the link […]
Ever see a painting and immediately know who the artist was, without having to look at the gallery tag or their social media handle? Chances are that’s because the artist has developed a strong and identifiable visual language. For me, slightly off-circular, wonky organic shapes and bright, saturated colours and transparent layers are three of […]
“Every decision or non-decision shifts the Universe in a whole new direction.” For the past six months, I’ve been experimenting with different ways of starting a painting. What I’ve discovered is that, like a complex ecosystem, the paintings that result are surprisingly sensitive to initial conditions. Because I paint intuitively, engaging in a ‘call and […]
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Simplicity and repose are the qualities that measure the true value of any work of art. The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity. I often start my paintings with a lot of scribbling and energy, covering the panel with marks to respond to and eventually, cover up. While […]
First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. I’ve been a fitness coach for 14 years and a painter for 4. Surprisingly, the two have a lot in common. Both require motivation, inspiration, dedication, getting comfortable with doing uncomfortable things and a willingness to explore one’s personal […]
Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever. Art-making is typically a solitary endeavour. In order to create and refine our work, artists need blocks of time without interruption or distraction. An afternoon to ponder a work in progress, […]