Plant with a Smith & Wesson

I am interested in exploring the innate energy, colour and excitement locked behind the façade of modern life. Through my work I aim to create a viewing experience that is stimulating, exhilarating and enjoyable.

Although born in London, growing up in Anglesey, North Wales, has allowed me to experience the juxtaposition of modern life with the raw power locked inside the mountainous landscapes of Snowdonia. In my work I am trying to take a much less rigid, ordered and structured approach to the stereotypical Welsh paintings. I aim to create something a little more natural, organic and enjoyable, breaking down the subject matter and focusing on its fundamental quality.

During my time in college I became particularly inspired by the work of Alberto Giacometti, Rembrandt, Cy Twombly and Gustav Klimt, all of whom are still an inspiration to my work. My paintings, sculptures and drawings could therefore be interpreted as impressionistic and borderline abstract. Developing and understanding my mark making techniques became the interest and drive I was looking for in art, and I learnt a lot from tutorial sessions with Peter Prendergast.

University introduced me to the works of Frank Auerbach and Antoni Tapies; two great mark makers who really gave me the inspiration to pursue my own unique processes of working. Although I began with an intense focus on drawing, I have gone on to try and incorporate the spontaneity and immediacy of drawing into paintings and, more recently, sculpture.

Through my work I have sought to show that exactitude is not truth. There is hidden energy within all objects, people and places that a photograph cannot capture. I have explored this concept in my exhibitions, most prominently at the Royal Cambrian Academy where I have recently become the youngest ever member to represent Wales and to work under the patronage of Prince Charles. I am currently based at my studio in West London, but also work from a large former garage in Anglesey which was originally used by my father to repair and paint cars.