The title of this collection, Indivisible, is a reference to me and my two sisters, Sandra and Julie. Following the death of both parents, we were separated at an early age, living in a number of different foster homes. Somehow we were always inextricably connected, separate but one.
Hear No Evil
Oil on Board, 92 x 122 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,750
Inspired by the 17th-century Japanese proverb originating in a carving of the “Three Wise Monkeys”. In this interpretation, it symbolises a code of silence among sisters, as well as an abdication of responsibility on the part of those who looked the other way.
Inseparable
Sold
Oil on Board, 92 x 122 cms
Our memories of the past can only be played through the narrow portals of our own masks.
Gas Mark 3
Oil on Board, 122 x 122 cms
A weighty, over-sized gas mark emphasising isolation – even with her back to the wall there are signs of hope, as yet unseen.
Mother’s Day
Oil on Board, 122 x 92 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,750.00
A father and daughter together at Mother’s funeral; a fantasy of an intimate, shared experience, one that was never permitted.
Immune System
Oil and Mixed Media on Board, 122 x 122 cms
A universal experience – not fitting in, not part of the ‘in-crowd’.
Resonance
Oil on Board, 122 x 122 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,750.00
Behind the masks the boys have a common language, a shared understanding.
Indivisible
Oil on Canvas, 120 x 100 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,750.00
A snapshot in time – a family unit soon to be divided. Even though we were separated we were inherently connected.
Almost Heaven
Oil on Canvas, 122 x 92 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,750.00
I grew up without my mother and I really missed her presence. I imagined her and what it would be like to still have her with me. Yet, I always felt her protection. As a mother myself, my children have been my greatest gift. So much of who we are is handed down from one generation to another…
Gas Mark 2
Oil on Board, 122 x 122 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,250.00
Memories of childhood. I see myself as a storyteller through paint. This image depicts two children in gas masks with a third (hidden) child to the right. A ghostly gas mask hangs on the wall at the back of the room.People have often brought their own stories to this piece, although it is very personal to me
It’s All About Survival
Oil on Board, 122 x 122 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,250.00
From a world war II photo. A conversation between my sister and I about whether we were ‘there for each other’ as children. The reality was that it was a case of ‘everyone for themselves’.It really was about survival.
Gas Mark 1
Juxtaposition of bright colours belying a darker narrative. This was my first ever gas mask painting when I began the Diploma at Norfolk Painting School. I wanted to use some bright colours having looked at the work of Henri Matisse. What came out of my head was a more sinister image than I had expected. My sister could really relate to it, and my gas mask journey began…
Bath Night
Oil on Canvas, 122 x 92 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,250.00
Reflections on a challenging childhood. Memories of fear, humiliation, anxiety, lack of trust. Cold. Sometimes danger lurks in the most unlikely of places.
You Never Know What’s Around The Corner
Oil on Canvas, 122 x 92 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,000.00
Playful young siblings growing up are so often full of expectation and anticipation. Filled with hope and promise. As life unfolds, none of us ever knows what is to come. This painting captures the innocent joy we shared before the death of our parents, and ultimately our separation.
Mum’s The Word
Secrets we hold. What we are not telling. All stuck in an alley way.
The sign of the finger in front of the mouth has so many connotations. It can be asking for quiet, the idea of ‘don’t tell’, ‘this is just between us’ or ‘let’s surprise them!’
Sister Esther
Oil on Board, 122 x 122 cms
Original available to purchase (framed) – £3,250.00
‘Sister Esther’ is 84 years old now, but she remembers vividly having to wear her gas mask during the war. She hadn’t put one on since, but kindly and very obligingly agreed to do so for me.
She sat for some time in the studio and was a great sport!
Act 3
Oil on Canvas, 92 x 122 cms
Thoughts of Russian dolls.
Separate realities, adults on a stage with a child inside.The little boy in the corner is me, I had boy’s haircut.
Oil Sketch on Board, 76 x 51 cms
Lost in an alien landscape. Being led away…
Transition 2
Oil Sketch on Board, 76 x 51 cms
…moving between foster homes, lost and bewildered. Memories of childhood.
They’ll Be Home Soon
Oil on Board, 76 x 51 cms
Original available to purchase – £800.00
When you’re not trusted to be inside the house alone.
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