My current artwork UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, HUMANS AND OTHER ANIMALS, continues my longstanding interest in human-animal relationships. My particular focus is on the human (Homo Urbanus) living in Western Urban societies and investigate the complex relationship between the Homo Urbanus and other animals.
I have been influenced by the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas and how his writings on ethics can relate to all living beings. An especially influential quote from Levinas that is the foundation on which I create my imagery of animals is:
‘They (the animals) show themselves to me and I cannot but respond because I cannot turn away’
My paintings are predominately oil on canvas and I have been inspired by George Stubbs (1724-1806) and Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899).