I take inspiration from the role of the archaeologist, investigator and digger, exploring the concept of objects as a container and symbol for our actions, experiences and memories. The purpose of my work is to explore and attempt to make sense of the material world and built environment created by humans.
Previous work has been preoccupied with the recurring image of the house, symbolising a person’s need for shelter and protection. The use of recurrent motifs or themes is an integral part of my work. I use words combined with images of tents, ships, boxes, books and other material things to connect to thoughts and emotions in the past. These ideas demonstrate the role of the archaeologist who tries to grasp the human meanings that were held to artefacts, searching for traces of the human mind in the archaeological record.
Through the medium of printmaking, 3D installations and photography combined I investigate the idea of an object as something with a real presence above being purely functional as a venue or shelter. Light also plays an important part in my work, creating an atmospheric space and turning lifeless objects into living, breathing beings.
Recent bodies of work have focused on an exploration of thoughts about the ‘pilgrim’ or ‘traveller’. The tent is used as a metaphor to express abstract concepts of the mysterious place of sanctuary and survival; the ship a symbol of pilgrimage, salvation of the soul and sanctuary. Influences spring from various historical sources- the museum, ancient sites, Paleolithic art, hieroglyphics, medieval Christian motifs as well as that of the marginal society. All materials worked by human hands recount something about themselves and about us, to where connected ideas emerge.
