Peace Garden

I grew up in the Somerset levels, my education and subsequent career have all had a close connection to the creative - both visual and the written work. Literature, high profile work in journalism and art have all played a vital role in developing my contemporary art practice. I have exhibited both in London and widely abroad.
My practice was initially developed at Central Saint Martins postgraduate studies as a reaction to mass digital photography. It is an opposition to both the technology of photography and the deskilled multiplicity of contemporary photographic images.
My work strips back image making where I work with my hands and without technical equipment. I use the historic alchemy of chemicals and paper and I work with foraged and found objects. The results are unique pieces and follow on in the tradition of early photography and the joy of early experimentation and the magic of the dark room.
The Japanese principle of wabi-sabi is an important philosophy to me - the acceptance that nothing is perfect and that the world is transient. I appreciate the integrity of natural objects and I value modesty and simplicity.
My influences include Richard Long, who uses natural materials to make his mark on landscapes.
Susan Derges for her reflective and mysterious cameraless images.
Adam Fuss for his use of liquid chemicals to explore early photographic techniques as the daguerreotype.
Gerhard Richter for his blurring of the photographic image to explore his inner consciousness.