My second solo show - this is the catalogue statement
The title refers to an Arabic proverb – “Never buy fish that are still in the sea” – meaning don’t take unnecessary risks and wait till the fish have been landed until you part with your cash.
I only discovered painting around 3 years ago and since then I haven’t really stopped. As my style has developed, I’ve increasingly used painting to express things which I’ve previously kept hidden – emotions, issues and personal stuff which seem to find their way into my work.
Themes which come through continually are about life in the city, separation from my English roots and family, my new life and family in Australia, and the slightly corny concepts of love, truth and beauty.
Having hit the landmark age of 40 this year, painting has become a way of taking more and more risks by exposing myself through my work. This peeling away of layers has been a very liberating and enjoyable experience which I intend to continue through this body of work.
For me, painting is about buying fish while they’re still in the sea – taking risks and relishing the consequences.
