Influences
Within my work I have been influenced and inspired by many things, including the connection between nature and our internal world; the systems within the body, the way we grow and the changes we go through.
We have so many layers...sometimes we show parts of who we are, and other times we conceal ourselves, possibly not even aware of our surroundings. The big wide world has so many expectations of us, that sometimes we hide ourselves, not realising our true potential. But we continue to grow, evolve and adapt- but in which way, is up to us.
Over the years I have gathered collections of plants from the garden. I have sketched and photographed the patterns on leaves, bright red veins, dots, the textures and light. I love the sturdy yet fragile skeletal leaves, and watching as a seed grows, as it firmly grounds itself with its roots, seeks the light and gradually transforms, unfurling its leaves and strengthening its limbs. This also relates to images I have researched on the internal systems of the body and microscopic cells, and has led me to see connections between the patterns and shapes of the internal world and plant life.
These patterns and shapes are what I transfer onto my work, and are often elusive, which can also make it captivating. It draws you in, wanting to be investigated further. This is also added to by the use of colour, generally on the inside of the work. Although the pallet is often limited to either red, blue, or yellow, with an occasional orange or green, the textures and patterns on the outside, as well as the shape of the pieces, lead the viewer to look further, into the work itself. By leaving the pure white of the porcelain clay on the outside, I find it acts like the skin, holding in the colour. It also creates contrast, between a soft white, the external plainness, and the vibrant internal world, trying to reveal its true self.
