Artist Statement

I am a mixed media artist who experiments on canvas to explore medical themes. My artwork consists primarily of abstract paintings. I also create installation work and digital photography – all of which occasionally blends to create mixed media works. My work is inspired by living with my lifelong medical condition XLA (x-linked agammaglobulinemia). XLA is a very rare primary immune deficiency which I have had treatment for since I was 3 years old. The artwork I create usually has a medical angle and can explore the mental and personal effects of living with a debilitating illness.   

I primarily paint with acrylic, and my work will normally mix with chalks, pastel, pencil and ink to create abstract perspectives on personal events in my life, landmarks I have reached or difficulties in the medical sphere. I like to create work digitally as a base.  I alter my photography and blend with other elements until I have a sketch or outline of what I would like to have a painting become. I also use my journals and written work in the creation of how tonally I want my work to make people feel. Text can be a large factor in my work. 

My work can be aggressive in brush strokes and rough textured, with exposed sections left open to the elements and markings that tell the history of the work itself. My interest in artwork began in higher education, primarily portraiture, until I discovered that for me to explain my feelings and how I felt about, for example, going in for a medical operation, that abstract work would help me lean further into this. I have been making abstract work on canvas and on paper for over 15 years.  

I have found that over the years, my exploration into my artwork was a route for me to explain my feelings and experiences with a lifelong medical condition. Over time, the artwork created would be seen as a form of therapy for me. Without my ability to create and produce artwork from the difficulties I have faced, I do not know where I would be now. The creation of my artwork to understand and process events in my life is crucial and has led me to creating over 100 pieces of art since my first solo show in 2016.