The artist: This is a reflection on the vulnerability of our landscape and the factors, both man made and natural, that threaten or modify it. My research list identified over fifty in number but I am sure there are dozens if not hundreds more. Some are transformative and whilst often violent and initially destructive they are part of the natural evolution of the crust of the planet we inhabit. Volcanic eruptions for example can create new land masses and small low intensity fires help to rejuvenate forests. Examples of our own impact are depressingly easy to catalogue; deforestation, intensive agriculture, wars, urbanisation. The list goes on.
Some of these disasters are recorded in the text on the lead ribbon where the words were incised using an old typewriter. Other elements of the piece imply qualities of balance, transparency, calm, layers and chaos that form our world.
I have been an architect for my professional working life but my art practice is now my main focus and I relish the control over what I make without the requirement to consult, negotiate or comply with any regulation or agency. Consequently, I set myself no boundaries and work across drawing, painting, assemblage and sculpture often blurring the edges and long since abandoning the desire to create a ‘coherent body of work’ and just going with what seems right at the time.