I have always made a big point of creating an intriguing teaser campaign ahead of my main releases, I want those who follow and support my art to be clued up as to what is coming as opposed to full on secrecy. However, it is a fine balance between giving away too much and too little. It seems to work, and work well but an element of surprise is always good!

So! ‘All Bets Are Off!’ is a dramatic piece that is my unique interpretation of that moment when the ‘Grays Sports Almanac’ (why does it seem so difficult to type that correctly each time?!) is torched in the movie ‘Back to the Future 2’. From my past collections, it is clear that I have a soft spot for the trilogy, and I wanted to do something different from a scene piece as I only released ‘OUTAREACH’ in 2022. 

The pre-requisite for curating ‘Lithium’ was to create a vastly varied body of work that epitomises darkness and light, intense meaning, and pure good nostalgic fun. What this piece does is showcase just that, a cracking contrast to the hauntingly powerful ‘Storyteller’ pieces; ‘Lithium’ and ‘The Power of Love’. Yet, this piece is just as powerful, powerful through the amount of drama and energy that has gone into creating the limited editions and the bonkers original itself. 

If you love the films, then you will love the Almanac and the impact that it brought. It’s iconic isn’t it. Imagine having access to that nowadays! I love the details that came with the book, the futuristic book receipt, and its holographic jacket. Both have been paid homage to with my version. This piece is a celebration of just how much effort I go to with my unique pieces to give the collector something truly special.

You know I love a double meaning in my concepts. At first glance, this piece is quite simply showing the book completely battered and burnt, picked up and framed like any worthy movie prop would be. However, look a little closer, think a little deeper and read between the scorch marks. ‘Greed Breeds Monsters’ has been stencilled onto the Perspex. This is a line that I have used since my formulative years in the industry and is tied to many narratives that shine a light on the implications of greed and the resulting mismanagement of money that follows. Could there be a better example of this than Mr Biff Tannen?!

This is a small detail within the piece that then links to the destructive power of the flames. I’ve melted Perspex before but not to this level! I wanted to create real drama and a tactile quality that could be lost by placing a barrier between you and the artwork through framing.

It was a cracking example of knowing that it could be great if it worked, but also that you could end up in A&E if it went wrong! No lie, it could have ended up like that! Filling a blow torch with gas when it was still on, flames that refused to give up that saw me run to the sink and throw the piece into the washing up bowl! There’s never a dull moment here! But just look at the results!

I have always made a big point of creating an intriguing teaser campaign ahead of my main releases, I want those who follow and support my art to be clued up as to what is coming as opposed to full on secrecy. However, it is a fine balance between giving away too much and too little. It seems to work, and work well but an element of surprise is always good!

So! ‘All Bets Are Off!’ is a dramatic piece that is my unique interpretation of that moment when the ‘Grays Sports Almanac’ (why does it seem so difficult to type that correctly each time?!) is torched in the movie ‘Back to the Future 2’. From my past collections, it is clear that I have a soft spot for the trilogy, and I wanted to do something different from a scene piece as I only released ‘OUTAREACH’ in 2022. 

The pre-requisite for curating ‘Lithium’ was to create a vastly varied body of work that epitomises darkness and light, intense meaning, and pure good nostalgic fun. What this piece does is showcase just that, a cracking contrast to the hauntingly powerful ‘Storyteller’ pieces; ‘Lithium’ and ‘The Power of Love’. Yet, this piece is just as powerful, powerful through the amount of drama and energy that has gone into creating the limited editions and the bonkers original itself. 

If you love the films, then you will love the Almanac and the impact that it brought. It’s iconic isn’t it. Imagine having access to that nowadays! I love the details that came with the book, the futuristic book receipt, and its holographic jacket. Both have been paid homage to with my version. This piece is a celebration of just how much effort I go to with my unique pieces to give the collector something truly special.

You know I love a double meaning in my concepts. At first glance, this piece is quite simply showing the book completely battered and burnt, picked up and framed like any worthy movie prop would be. However, look a little closer, think a little deeper and read between the scorch marks. ‘Greed Breeds Monsters’ has been stencilled onto the Perspex. This is a line that I have used since my formulative years in the industry and is tied to many narratives that shine a light on the implications of greed and the resulting mismanagement of money that follows. Could there be a better example of this than Mr Biff Tannen?!

This is a small detail within the piece that then links to the destructive power of the flames. I’ve melted Perspex before but not to this level! I wanted to create real drama and a tactile quality that could be lost by placing a barrier between you and the artwork through framing.

It was a cracking example of knowing that it could be great if it worked, but also that you could end up in A&E if it went wrong! No lie, it could have ended up like that! Filling a blow torch with gas when it was still on, flames that refused to give up that saw me run to the sink and throw the piece into the washing up bowl! There’s never a dull moment here! But just look at the results!

The idea was going to be that I took you inside the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, but the smaller format was proving to be restrictive given the fact that the image would need to work with various pieces of text, logos and an album ‘masthead’. This would have meant compromises and you can’t do that with ‘Star Wars’! There was also the fear that I wouldn’t be able to build a scene from those moments that differed enough from the original movie stills that allowed me to be authentic, respectful, and unique and not cross to the dark side. So that plan was put aside, however, the reason that it was shortlisted was because the format and film would go perfectly, so that can be for another day, not too far, far away though!

Past pieces such as ‘Join Me’ and ‘Attack on Echo Base’ have been all out-action scenes, where I have not wanted to deviate too far but to simply amplify everything to the level that we remember when looking back at that wonderful age of movies. I know you lot love my scene pieces so I chose to create ‘All Hope is Not Lost’ but differently to how it could easily have been offered. Several of my pieces within this collection are driven by the call to never give up, that help IS coming and good will overpower evil, even if it is right by your door. As there are no breaks when creating main collections, without a doubt this influenced my mindset for the narrative behind what you now see. I wanted to create something different, beautiful, and full of hope. I feel proud that I have achieved that in abundance, whilst not alienating those who love the drama and action.

Throughout my artist career, my works have never had to rely on characters to tell the story. It is written into the detail, the clues that are left behind. Art is wonderfully subjective and so it should be, there will be some who love the subtleness of ‘Shifting Sands’ and ‘Battles Passed’, whilst others will favour the no holds barred action pieces where characters roam freely. For me, this piece was taken over the moment I saw that beautiful image of Leia sat in her white dress, so calmy and with the look that immediately connected. From that point I was hell-bent on building this piece around her, and that look in her eyes.

Composition was a major part in this, and it is good to move away from any comfort zone. It is a strange feeling as you have this sense that you are doing something differently, but you can’t put your finger on it. It means you have this confidence and excitement that you are building something special and true to your intentions but where you also seek feedback and I guess, reassurance from those who either really know you or the target audience. It is so important to keep testing and questioning yourself and never being blind sighted.

So, the overriding concept of this piece is that her friends ARE coming, they may be one step behind, but they are on their way. Smoke plays tricks and clouds judgement and I know so many of you have thought that you have seen faces within backgrounds only to be told that it was a trick. Look at the Falcon, has it docked or in flight? Either way it is coming. Leia’s comrades have been depicted in a blackened silhouette style to suggest that are to play a key role in her rescue but not quite yet. Contrast that with the drama that is unfolding behind her as Vader, flanked by his Stormtroopers march into view.

‘All Hope is Not Lost’ is a shining example of the battle between darkness and light, good and evil and one that epitomises the impact of having people that you can always rely on, no matter what. After all, it’s not the size of the army but the power within an army.

Rest in peace Carrie x

Past pieces such as ‘Join Me’ and ‘Attack on Echo Base’ have been all out-action scenes, where I have not wanted to deviate too far but to simply amplify everything to the level that we remember when looking back at that wonderful age of movies. I know you lot love my scene pieces so I chose to create ‘All Hope is Not Lost’ but differently to how it could easily have been offered. Several of my pieces within this collection are driven by the call to never give up, that help IS coming and good will overpower evil, even if it is right by your door. As there are no breaks when creating main collections, without a doubt this influenced my mindset for the narrative behind what you now see. I wanted to create something different, beautiful, and full of hope. I feel proud that I have achieved that in abundance, whilst not alienating those who love the drama and action.

Throughout my artist career, my works have never had to rely on characters to tell the story. It is written into the detail, the clues that are left behind. Art is wonderfully subjective and so it should be, there will be some who love the subtleness of ‘Shifting Sands’ and ‘Battles Passed’, whilst others will favour the no holds barred action pieces where characters roam freely. For me, this piece was taken over the moment I saw that beautiful image of Leia sat in her white dress, so calmy and with the look that immediately connected. From that point I was hell-bent on building this piece around her, and that look in her eyes.

Composition was a major part in this, and it is good to move away from any comfort zone. It is a strange feeling as you have this sense that you are doing something differently, but you can’t put your finger on it. It means you have this confidence and excitement that you are building something special and true to your intentions but where you also seek feedback and I guess, reassurance from those who either really know you or the target audience. It is so important to keep testing and questioning yourself and never being blind sighted.

So, the overriding concept of this piece is that her friends ARE coming, they may be one step behind, but they are on their way. Smoke plays tricks and clouds judgement and I know so many of you have thought that you have seen faces within backgrounds only to be told that it was a trick. Look at the Falcon, has it docked or in flight? Either way it is coming. Leia’s comrades have been depicted in a blackened silhouette style to suggest that are to play a key role in her rescue but not quite yet. Contrast that with the drama that is unfolding behind her as Vader, flanked by his Stormtroopers march into view.

‘All Hope is Not Lost’ is a shining example of the battle between darkness and light, good and evil and one that epitomises the impact of having people that you can always rely on, no matter what. After all, it’s not the size of the army but the power within an army.

Rest in peace Carrie x

The idea was going to be that I took you inside the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, but the smaller format was proving to be restrictive given the fact that the image would need to work with various pieces of text, logos and an album ‘masthead’. This would have meant compromises and you can’t do that with ‘Star Wars’! There was also the fear that I wouldn’t be able to build a scene from those moments that differed enough from the original movie stills that allowed me to be authentic, respectful, and unique and not cross to the dark side. So that plan was put aside, however, the reason that it was shortlisted was because the format and film would go perfectly, so that can be for another day, not too far, far away though! 

Past pieces such as ‘Join Me’ and ‘Attack on Echo Base’ have been all out-action scenes, where I have not wanted to deviate too far but to simply amplify everything to the level that we remember when looking back at that wonderful age of movies. I know you lot love my scene pieces so I chose to create ‘All Hope is Not Lost’ but differently to how it could easily have been offered. Several of my pieces within this collection are driven by the call to never give up, that help IS coming and good will overpower evil, even if it is right by your door. As there are no breaks when creating main collections, without a doubt this influenced my mindset for the narrative behind what you now see. I wanted to create something different, beautiful, and full of hope. I feel proud that I have achieved that in abundance, whilst not alienating those who love the drama and action.

Throughout my artist career, my works have never had to rely on characters to tell the story. It is written into the detail, the clues that are left behind. Art is wonderfully subjective and so it should be, there will be some who love the subtleness of ‘Shifting Sands’ and ‘Battles Passed’, whilst others will favour the no holds barred action pieces where characters roam freely. For me, this piece was taken over the moment I saw that beautiful image of Leia sat in her white dress, so calmy and with the look that immediately connected. From that point I was hell-bent on building this piece around her, and that look in her eyes.

Composition was a major part in this, and it is good to move away from any comfort zone. It is a strange feeling as you have this sense that you are doing something differently, but you can’t put your finger on it. It means you have this confidence and excitement that you are building something special and true to your intentions but where you also seek feedback and I guess, reassurance from those who either really know you or the target audience. It is so important to keep testing and questioning yourself and never being blind sighted.

 So, the overriding concept of this piece is that her friends ARE coming, they may be one step behind, but they are on their way. Smoke plays tricks and clouds judgement and I know so many of you have thought that you have seen faces within backgrounds only to be told that it was a trick. Look at the Falcon, has it docked or in flight? Either way it is coming. Leia’s comrades have been depicted in a blackened silhouette style to suggest that are to play a key role in her rescue but not quite yet. Contrast that with the drama that is unfolding behind her as Vader, flanked by his Stormtroopers march into view.

 ‘All Hope is Not Lost’ is a shining example of the battle between darkness and light, good and evil and one that epitomises the impact of having people that you can always rely on, no matter what. After all, it’s not the size of the army but the power within an army.

Rest in peace Carrie x

I loved creating that initial piece and have been blown away by the reaction to it ever since. I always knew that ‘Friends’ has a huge fan base and to know that it hit the spot was so pleasing. I STILL find Monica annoying as hell though! As I always say, it is a case of timing and 2 years on it felt right to create a second piece to complement the first. So, it’s time to ‘Bring on the Yams!’

This time, I take you inside the iconic apartment of Rachel and Monica – the setting for so many hilarious moments. The colours from the first piece were such a big pull for collectors and I didn’t want this new scene to be a jolt so have mirrored those so that they can sit alongside each other if you choose to. It’s that magical, vivid styling that works so well with the utter randomness of the detail.

So, Thanksgiving has come early this year and it looks like it didn’t quite go to plan! Nice one Joey! I guess Turkey AND yams are off the menu this time, oh well at least the chicken got a good feed. Speaking of which, that detail was so difficult to pull off as there isn’t much reference material online of what I wanted to mimic, surprisingly enough! This was one of those moments when at the end of the day, most probably a long Sunday in the studio and people ask what I’ve done today, and you tell them that you’ve spent 12 hours retouching a kangaroo, aardvark, chicken, monkey, and duck! I love it!

Seriously, I bloody love what I do. I love that collectors and fans of ‘Friends’ have taken to my work with such affection and to see the excitement building with each teaser has been great. Any follow up is a tough act to follow and I am really hoping that you love what I have done, to combine this amount of detail is no easy task and I there’s definitely a few extra helpings of nostalgia in this one! I love how it has turned out; I really do! More dish drop moment than mic drop!

I loved creating that initial piece and have been blown away by the reaction to it ever since. I always knew that ‘Friends’ has a huge fan base and to know that it hit the spot was so pleasing. I STILL find Monica annoying as hell though! As I always say, it is a case of timing and 2 years on it felt right to create a second piece to complement the first. So, it’s time to ‘Bring on the Yams!’

This time, I take you inside the iconic apartment of Rachel and Monica – the setting for so many hilarious moments. The colours from the first piece were such a big pull for collectors and I didn’t want this new scene to be a jolt so have mirrored those so that they can sit alongside each other if you choose to. It’s that magical, vivid styling that works so well with the utter randomness of the detail.

So, Thanksgiving has come early this year and it looks like it didn’t quite go to plan! Nice one Joey! I guess Turkey AND yams are off the menu this time, oh well at least the chicken got a good feed. Speaking of which, that detail was so difficult to pull off as there isn’t much reference material online of what I wanted to mimic, surprisingly enough! This was one of those moments when at the end of the day, most probably a long Sunday in the studio and people ask what I’ve done today, and you tell them that you’ve spent 12 hours retouching a kangaroo, aardvark, chicken, monkey, and duck! I love it!

Seriously, I bloody love what I do. I love that collectors and fans of ‘Friends’ have taken to my work with such affection and to see the excitement building with each teaser has been great. Any follow up is a tough act to follow and I am really hoping that you love what I have done, to combine this amount of detail is no easy task and I there’s definitely a few extra helpings of nostalgia in this one! I love how it has turned out; I really do! More dish drop moment than mic drop!

I loved creating that initial piece and have been blown away by the reaction to it ever since. I always knew that ‘Friends’ has a huge fan base and to know that it hit the spot was so pleasing. I STILL find Monica annoying as hell though! As I always say, it is a case of timing and 2 years on it felt right to create a second piece to complement the first. So, it’s time to ‘Bring on the Yams!’

This time, I take you inside the iconic apartment of Rachel and Monica – the setting for so many hilarious moments. The colours from the first piece were such a big pull for collectors and I didn’t want this new scene to be a jolt so have mirrored those so that they can sit alongside each other if you choose to. It’s that magical, vivid styling that works so well with the utter randomness of the detail.

So, Thanksgiving has come early this year and it looks like it didn’t quite go to plan! Nice one Joey! I guess Turkey AND yams are off the menu this time, oh well at least the chicken got a good feed. Speaking of which, that detail was so difficult to pull off as there isn’t much reference material online of what I wanted to mimic, surprisingly enough! This was one of those moments when at the end of the day, most probably a long Sunday in the studio and people ask what I’ve done today, and you tell them that you’ve spent 12 hours retouching a kangaroo, aardvark, chicken, monkey, and duck! I love it!

Seriously, I bloody love what I do. I love that collectors and fans of ‘Friends’ have taken to my work with such affection and to see the excitement building with each teaser has been great. Any follow up is a tough act to follow and I am really hoping that you love what I have done, to combine this amount of detail is no easy task and I there’s definitely a few extra helpings of nostalgia in this one! I love how it has turned out; I really do! More dish drop moment than mic drop!

The narrative remains, it is just a different point in time. ‘Smile’ explored the contrast between the two Jokers in the room and raised the question as to who is the most dangerous? The one who is burning with rage on the outside, or the one who is oblivious to what burns from within, beneath their happy face? You decide.

That lyric, you must have heard it! The Eagles, ‘Hotel California’ has driven the concept and fits beautifully. The acceptance that mental health is an illness, not a state of mind is everything. The acknowledgement that it is so easy to fall back without professional help and loving support. Details within the scene such as ‘back so soon?’ highlight the digs from those who ring fence, dismiss, pour judgement and scorn on those who suffer, whilst also hinting at the thoughts from those who struggle where they are resigned to their fate and weighed down by their devil on their shoulders.

I have always been open with how the mental health side of the Joker movies has always gripped me much stronger than the other spectacular details. We can relate to it so much more, not that is necessarily a good thing. The complete mutation and utter devastation caused by someone being failed and left to fall is scary and scarily real. Why so serious? Because it bloody needs to be.   

I love the response to ‘Smile’, a ‘Lost in Hollywood’ piece with a ‘Storyteller’ undertow. ‘Checking Out’ has turned out beautifully. One to be enjoyed by fans of the movies and its villains but also a piece of art that has so many subtle details that link to the concept. Look at the interaction of the crows for instance, subtle but shouty.

I have set this scene within the grounds of the asylum, dominated albeit not reliant upon by Heath Ledger’s Joker as it paces towards you, leaving utter carnage in his wake. It is that moment from the movie when he has just blown up the hospital but re-told in my own way. By placing this at the asylum it further supports the narrative, yet is he the most destructive?  Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker spectacularly in my opinion, for reasons mentioned above. He is pictured, calmly sat as it all unfolds, yet what is he plotting? Who holds the key, or the trigger? Who or what is the trigger?

Yet, it is the two other instances of these Jokers that without doubt packs the biggest punch in terms of the mental health undercurrent. A solitary central figure, cast as dancing from the movie, lost in his own world of shit, yet twisted to resemble a conductor as he orchestrates others and his own downfall. Nothing can hurt him anymore; he has nothing else to lose. Cast your eye to the rear shot of Heath stood in front of the steps, head down. Checking in. Again. See hell, seek help.

The narrative remains, it is just a different point in time. ‘Smile’ explored the contrast between the two Jokers in the room and raised the question as to who is the most dangerous? The one who is burning with rage on the outside, or the one who is oblivious to what burns from within, beneath their happy face? You decide.

That lyric, you must have heard it! The Eagles, ‘Hotel California’ has driven the concept and fits beautifully. The acceptance that mental health is an illness, not a state of mind is everything. The acknowledgement that it is so easy to fall back without professional help and loving support. Details within the scene such as ‘back so soon?’ highlight the digs from those who ring fence, dismiss, pour judgement and scorn on those who suffer, whilst also hinting at the thoughts from those who struggle where they are resigned to their fate and weighed down by their devil on their shoulders.

I have always been open with how the mental health side of the Joker movies has always gripped me much stronger than the other spectacular details. We can relate to it so much more, not that is necessarily a good thing. The complete mutation and utter devastation caused by someone being failed and left to fall is scary and scarily real. Why so serious? Because it bloody needs to be.   

I love the response to ‘Smile’, a ‘Lost in Hollywood’ piece with a ‘Storyteller’ undertow. ‘Checking Out’ has turned out beautifully. One to be enjoyed by fans of the movies and its villains but also a piece of art that has so many subtle details that link to the concept. Look at the interaction of the crows for instance, subtle but shouty.

I have set this scene within the grounds of the asylum, dominated albeit not reliant upon by Heath Ledger’s Joker as it paces towards you, leaving utter carnage in his wake. It is that moment from the movie when he has just blown up the hospital but re-told in my own way. By placing this at the asylum it further supports the narrative, yet is he the most destructive?  Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker spectacularly in my opinion, for reasons mentioned above. He is pictured, calmly sat as it all unfolds, yet what is he plotting? Who holds the key, or the trigger? Who or what is the trigger?

Yet, it is the two other instances of these Jokers that without doubt packs the biggest punch in terms of the mental health undercurrent. A solitary central figure, cast as dancing from the movie, lost in his own world of shit, yet twisted to resemble a conductor as he orchestrates others and his own downfall. Nothing can hurt him anymore; he has nothing else to lose. Cast your eye to the rear shot of Heath stood in front of the steps, head down. Checking in. Again. See hell, seek help.

The narrative remains, it is just a different point in time. ‘Smile’ explored the contrast between the two Jokers in the room and raised the question as to who is the most dangerous? The one who is burning with rage on the outside, or the one who is oblivious to what burns from within, beneath their happy face? You decide.

That lyric, you must have heard it! The Eagles, ‘Hotel California’ has driven the concept and fits beautifully. The acceptance that mental health is an illness, not a state of mind is everything. The acknowledgement that it is so easy to fall back without professional help and loving support. Details within the scene such as ‘back so soon?’ highlight the digs from those who ring fence, dismiss, pour judgement and scorn on those who suffer, whilst also hinting at the thoughts from those who struggle where they are resigned to their fate and weighed down by their devil on their shoulders.

I have always been open with how the mental health side of the Joker movies has always gripped me much stronger than the other spectacular details. We can relate to it so much more, not that is necessarily a good thing. The complete mutation and utter devastation caused by someone being failed and left to fall is scary and scarily real. Why so serious? Because it bloody needs to be.   

I love the response to ‘Smile’, a ‘Lost in Hollywood’ piece with a ‘Storyteller’ undertow. ‘Checking Out’ has turned out beautifully. One to be enjoyed by fans of the movies and its villains but also a piece of art that has so many subtle details that link to the concept. Look at the interaction of the crows for instance, subtle but shouty.

I have set this scene within the grounds of the asylum, dominated albeit not reliant upon by Heath Ledger’s Joker as it paces towards you, leaving utter carnage in his wake. It is that moment from the movie when he has just blown up the hospital but re-told in my own way. By placing this at the asylum it further supports the narrative, yet is he the most destructive?  Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker spectacularly in my opinion, for reasons mentioned above. He is pictured, calmly sat as it all unfolds, yet what is he plotting? Who holds the key, or the trigger? Who or what is the trigger?

Yet, it is the two other instances of these Jokers that without doubt packs the biggest punch in terms of the mental health undercurrent. A solitary central figure, cast as dancing from the movie, lost in his own world of shit, yet twisted to resemble a conductor as he orchestrates others and his own downfall. Nothing can hurt him anymore; he has nothing else to lose. Cast your eye to the rear shot of Heath stood in front of the steps, head down. Checking in. Again. See hell, seek help.

My ‘Storyteller’ works are without doubt the most intense from a conceptual complexity level, and I love how they can be interpreted to relate to another person’s experiences. Without doubt, it is the series of chapters based on the classic fairy-tale Snow White that has seen me return the most to continue the story. Yet the more pieces that I create across other subject matters and their characters, it has made me aware of how there is so much synergy between them, and I love that.

So ‘Lithium’ is the following chapter to an earlier piece entitled ‘Mirror Mirror’ where we saw Snow White’s empty glass coffin within the forest. It was showing that point where you either effectively seal your own coffin and choose your own fate through decision making or you allow help in to help you escape your ‘forest’. What I mean by that in reality is that this is no fairy-tale, there is no eureka moment or epiphany – instead it is a brutal journey shrouded in shadows and complete darkness, yet one that can twist and turn towards a beautiful light, one that brings warmth, comfort, and healing.

A method of depicting this journey is to link it to the changing seasons. It is darkness and light, shadows, and sunlight in its most literal form. This is where my past pieces come into play. Mental health has, and always will be a driving force within my art, I wish it wasn’t but if it helps then I am glad that through affiliation I have built a portfolio of art that can do genuine good. ‘For Now I’m Winter’ and ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ convey the same message and remind ourselves that Spring will follow Winter and that brighter, happier days will come.

A more recent piece ‘Fight or Flight’ is based on ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, but it flows beautifully with ‘Lithium’ through it portraying this ‘journey’ and the battles that lay ahead. It was this piece that made me debate whether Snow White should have her hood up but without a doubt no. The driving force for this piece and its narrative is to open your eyes, to look within. To soul search to find strength and to start to walk forwards. Lift your head up, instil self-worth, hold your damned head up!

 What we see is that point, where she is tentatively walking away from her ‘Winter’ towards her ‘Spring’. Such Winters can, and do last way longer than a few months. Days are shorter, darker, and claustrophobic, there is barely any light. This world becomes normality and there is seemingly no way out or will to fight. Laying amongst the shadows means out of sight and out of mind, no more burden. Here in the darkness, you know yourself. Cold rain drowns your will to fly, you can’t break free until you let it go. Seemingly gone but not forgotten. Never!

Every forest, no matter how dense and dark has its clearing, its way out. ‘Winter’ can leave you frozen in fear, cold as ice to the chance to change. Yet your future is not set in stone, chip away at it, carve a path, baby steps, focus. Hold your head up! Just like in meteorological terms, Spring can take longer to show that it is coming but it always comes. The first snow drops to bloom are the ones with the strongest roots, that rise upwards to catch the first warmth of Spring and with that brings happiness to others, keep growing.

Inner strength, self-worth, self-belief, and trust in others combine to help you on your journey into Spring, to keep building and strengthening to embrace Summer. Of course, even amongst the brightest of sunshine, shadows are cast, and warmth can fade but it is that strength and momentum gained beforehand that will set you up for when the light dwindles. Let others help you, guide you. Some are nearer than you realise, others watch from a distance. For others, the best you can hope for is so far short of what you need but draw strength through their spirit that drives yours. Whilst every day will be different, and obstacles may block your path, one thing that is for certain is that you are never, ever on your own.

So, it’s time to grow in Spring, Winter has passed, yes it will return but not like that. You’re stronger and will continue to find strength. Loved ones will embrace your achievements. Keep walking forwards, hold your head up. Don’t you dare give up! Don’t you fucking dare! x

My ‘Storyteller’ works are without doubt the most intense from a conceptual complexity level, and I love how they can be interpreted to relate to another person’s experiences. Without doubt, it is the series of chapters based on the classic fairy-tale Snow White that has seen me return the most to continue the story. Yet the more pieces that I create across other subject matters and their characters, it has made me aware of how there is so much synergy between them, and I love that.

So ‘Lithium’ is the following chapter to an earlier piece entitled ‘Mirror Mirror’ where we saw Snow White’s empty glass coffin within the forest. It was showing that point where you either effectively seal your own coffin and choose your own fate through decision making or you allow help in to help you escape your ‘forest’. What I mean by that in reality is that this is no fairy-tale, there is no eureka moment or epiphany – instead it is a brutal journey shrouded in shadows and complete darkness, yet one that can twist and turn towards a beautiful light, one that brings warmth, comfort, and healing.

A method of depicting this journey is to link it to the changing seasons. It is darkness and light, shadows, and sunlight in its most literal form. This is where my past pieces come into play. Mental health has, and always will be a driving force within my art, I wish it wasn’t but if it helps then I am glad that through affiliation I have built a portfolio of art that can do genuine good. ‘For Now I’m Winter’ and ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ convey the same message and remind ourselves that Spring will follow Winter and that brighter, happier days will come.

A more recent piece ‘Fight or Flight’ is based on ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, but it flows beautifully with ‘Lithium’ through it portraying this ‘journey’ and the battles that lay ahead. It was this piece that made me debate whether Snow White should have her hood up but without a doubt no. The driving force for this piece and its narrative is to open your eyes, to look within. To soul search to find strength and to start to walk forwards. Lift your head up, instil self-worth, hold your damned head up!

What we see is that point, where she is tentatively walking away from her ‘Winter’ towards her ‘Spring’. Such Winters can, and do last way longer than a few months. Days are shorter, darker, and claustrophobic, there is barely any light. This world becomes normality and there is seemingly no way out or will to fight. Laying amongst the shadows means out of sight and out of mind, no more burden. Here in the darkness, you know yourself. Cold rain drowns your will to fly, you can’t break free until you let it go. Seemingly gone but not forgotten. Never!

Every forest, no matter how dense and dark has its clearing, its way out. ‘Winter’ can leave you frozen in fear, cold as ice to the chance to change. Yet your future is not set in stone, chip away at it, carve a path, baby steps, focus. Hold your head up! Just like in meteorological terms, Spring can take longer to show that it is coming but it always comes. The first snow drops to bloom are the ones with the strongest roots, that rise upwards to catch the first warmth of Spring and with that brings happiness to others, keep growing.

Inner strength, self-worth, self-belief, and trust in others combine to help you on your journey into Spring, to keep building and strengthening to embrace Summer. Of course, even amongst the brightest of sunshine, shadows are cast, and warmth can fade but it is that strength and momentum gained beforehand that will set you up for when the light dwindles. Let others help you, guide you. Some are nearer than you realise, others watch from a distance. For others, the best you can hope for is so far short of what you need but draw strength through their spirit that drives yours. Whilst every day will be different, and obstacles may block your path, one thing that is for certain is that you are never, ever on your own.

So, it’s time to grow in Spring, Winter has passed, yes it will return but not like that. You’re stronger and will continue to find strength. Loved ones will embrace your achievements. Keep walking forwards, hold your head up. Don’t you dare give up! Don’t you fucking dare! x 

My ‘Storyteller’ works are without doubt the most intense from a conceptual complexity level, and I love how they can be interpreted to relate to another person’s experiences. Without doubt, it is the series of chapters based on the classic fairy-tale Snow White that has seen me return the most to continue the story. Yet the more pieces that I create across other subject matters and their characters, it has made me aware of how there is so much synergy between them, and I love that.

So ‘Lithium’ is the following chapter to an earlier piece entitled ‘Mirror Mirror’ where we saw Snow White’s empty glass coffin within the forest. It was showing that point where you either effectively seal your own coffin and choose your own fate through decision making or you allow help in to help you escape your ‘forest’. What I mean by that in reality is that this is no fairy-tale, there is no eureka moment or epiphany – instead it is a brutal journey shrouded in shadows and complete darkness, yet one that can twist and turn towards a beautiful light, one that brings warmth, comfort, and healing.

 A method of depicting this journey is to link it to the changing seasons. It is darkness and light, shadows, and sunlight in its most literal form. This is where my past pieces come into play. Mental health has, and always will be a driving force within my art, I wish it wasn’t but if it helps then I am glad that through affiliation I have built a portfolio of art that can do genuine good. ‘For Now I’m Winter’ and ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ convey the same message and remind ourselves that Spring will follow Winter and that brighter, happier days will come.

A more recent piece ‘Fight or Flight’ is based on ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, but it flows beautifully with ‘Lithium’ through it portraying this ‘journey’ and the battles that lay ahead.It was this piece that made me debate whether Snow White should have her hood up but without a doubt no. The driving force for this piece and its narrative is to open your eyes, to look within. To soul search to find strength and to start to walk forwards. Lift your head up, instil self-worth, hold your damned head up!

 What we see is that point, where she is tentatively walking away from her ‘Winter’ towards her ‘Spring’. Such Winters can, and do last way longer than a few months. Days are shorter, darker, and claustrophobic, there is barely any light. This world becomes normality and there is seemingly no way out or will to fight. Laying amongst the shadows means out of sight and out of mind, no more burden. Here in the darkness, you know yourself. Cold rain drowns your will to fly, you can’t break free until you let it go. Seemingly gone but not forgotten. Never!

Every forest, no matter how dense and dark has its clearing, its way out. ‘Winter’ can leave you frozen in fear, cold as ice to the chance to change. Yet your future is not set in stone, chip away at it, carve a path, baby steps, focus. Hold your head up! Just like in meteorological terms, Spring can take longer to show that it is coming but it always comes. The first snow drops to bloom are the ones with the strongest roots, that rise upwards to catch the first warmth of Spring and with that brings happiness to others, keep growing.

Inner strength, self-worth, self-belief, and trust in others combine to help you on your journey into Spring, to keep building and strengthening to embrace Summer. Of course, even amongst the brightest of sunshine, shadows are cast, and warmth can fade but it is that strength and momentum gained beforehand that will set you up for when the light dwindles. Let others help you, guide you. Some are nearer than you realise, others watch from a distance. For others, the best you can hope for is so far short of what you need but draw strength through their spirit that drives yours. Whilst every day will be different, and obstacles may block your path, one thing that is for certain is that you are never, ever on your own.

So, it’s time to grow in Spring, Winter has passed, yes it will return but not like that. You’re stronger and will continue to find strength. Loved ones will embrace your achievements. Keep walking forwards, hold your head up. Don’t you dare give up! Don’t you fucking dare! x

‘The Power of Love’ is my classic interpretation of the enchanting ‘Beauty and the Beast’ of which I have created two previous pieces. ‘Marry Me Bitch!’ which still makes me laugh when I hear people order it by title, and a ‘Love Knows No Bounds’ piece entitled ‘’We Are Together Now’. It is the perfect story to suit my love for darkness and light and exploring the depths that people go to in the name of love. Roses have been used throughout my work, both digitally and physically and the plan was to focus on this for this third instalment.

However, the plan initially and for some time before was to create a scene within the ‘Beasts’ rose garden, the potential for beauty is huge and I know how it would look. Yet for me personally at this point in time, I need to really challenge myself, to distract and to hopefully reach new levels through the need to consume myself in my work. So, for this reason alone I opted to keep that idea locked up and instead look to create something that was different from what people may expect. 

To achieve this, it was all about composition and introducing a surreal, fantasy-like quality to hopefully provoke a ‘bloody hell I wasn’t expecting that’ reaction. As an artist, you shouldn’t ever rest on your laurels or become formulaic – I hope you can see that I strive to evolve and learn through listening. I think this is why this collection has smashed me to bits through the intensity that I have put in. I need it, you deserve it, so it’s simple. 

‘The Power of Love’ positions you stood on a clifftop looking down at this incredible landscape/seascape (is that even a thing?!) you know what I mean anyway! The composition is done in this way to get you involved as I’m sure you can relate to the concept in some fashion. The initial image that inspired what you now see was showing a rock at a much smaller scale, I saw intrigue in changing this, so it became huge. Ripples then become powerful waves; you see where I’m going with this? The castle and the galleon that would typically dominate are dwarfed by the solid rock that stands strong against the ever-flowing tides and waves that roll and crash into its surface.

This came together so well and without stress, it was exciting and exactly how I wanted it to evolve. Then my attention turned to the sea and the symbolic rose. I strove to create them in a way that they resembled sea creature type objects that rose upwards and broke the surface, almost as a show of force and powerful gesture. There are ones that look withered and faded in contrast to others that shine bright and have risen above the waves. Technically this was tough and I’m glad it was. The end results are so pleasing, and I feel that it really adds to this surreal quality that I have pushed for. What do you think?

A much earlier artwork entitled ‘My Spirit Will Live On’ featured a face in the rock and I still love hearing how you have only just discovered it. As a child I always remember trying to catch the right angle as we drove past a rock in Menorca where you could see a blatant Red Indian for a split second. Maybe that is where this has all come from? So maybe there are more to find, that links the ‘Storyteller’ and ‘Love Knows No Bounds’ pieces together beautifully. As soon as you see it and see the connection, it changes everything. 

The overriding purpose for this piece is to acknowledge the lengths that one goes for love and the power that one’s love for another can hold. This play on scale and perspective acknowledges this. It is so much more than a pretty picture although you are free to simply enjoy it as that, but if I know my collectors, I am pretty sure that you will relate to it for many a reason and I look forward to hearing what it means to you.

I hope you love this artwork and what it conveys and means to you. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.