Memories

Every year I pray for a watchword for the year ahead, and for 2020 my watchword was “bench time” – little did I know that the year would bring “time out” for the whole world and that physical benches would soon be out of bounds.

Painting is one of the practices that helps me to relax and be fully present in the moment. “Memories” was created in the summer of 2020. It started off with play and experimentation rather than a fixed idea. After several layers, the image of a bench suggested itself. I expressed a longing for the return of some normality, seeing people sitting together on a bench, chatting and laughing. It was also a reminder to take time out.

Benches have featured regularly in my work since then. Also check the “Be still” series and “Contemplation.”

I am aiming to make environment-friendly choices in my whole production process, so I use a carbon neutral printing company with printing facilities in the UK, EU and US. I print my work on Hahnemühle Bamboo due to the paper’s longevity and environmental credentials.

This is what Hahnemühle write about their paper: “Hahnemühle Bamboo is the world’s first FineArt inkjet paper made from 90% bamboo fibres, for a natural look and environmentally friendly paper production. The natural white, warm-toned bamboo paper does not contain optical brighteners, and stands out thanks to its soft, lightly textured felt structure and sensual feel. The matt premium inkjet coating delivers excellent printing results with defined reproduction of colour and detail, particularly for warm hues and monochrome prints. Bamboo is acid- and lignin-free and meets the most precise requirements in terms of age resistance. The unique combination of sustainable bamboo fibres, soft surface texture and impressive print quality gives the artwork outstanding expression and soul.”

The print is available in 2 sizes: 30cm x 30cm (12” x 12”) or 40cm x 40cm (14” x 14”). This includes a border of 1.5 cm (0.6”) for all prints.