Artist’s Statement

I am based on the West Coast of Scotland. My work is an exploration of space, scale and light in wild landscape. Prints begin with observational drawing and photography, but they are not direct geographic representations. They are a result of my response to the feel of place, the season and weather. I like my prints to be open to interpretation, reminding the viewer of their own experiences of wild places. 

I like to work at times with Japan's concept of 'yohaku no bi' (the beauty of empty space), leaving areas of unprinted or empty spaces in my compositions. I enjoy drawing the viewer's attention to this balance and find it an enjoyable challenge to achieve. Edges, gaps and gullies with views beyond are very appealing to me and I am especially fascinated by the interaction of sea and land, tides and coastlines.

I specialise in reduction linocut. This method begins with a detailed drawing from my observational sketches and photos. I use a single lino block, repeatedly cut and printed many times, until the lino is cut away and a full colour print is created – a truly limited process where the print block is destroyed in creating the work.

My prints rely on my drawn and painted line. The mark making in my prints is a direct result of my cutting around and away at the drawings and paint marks I make on the surface of my block as I develop the print. My inking techniques are heavily influenced by studies in Japan and I work in many thin layers of transparent colour.