ABOUT:
After a career in the military, I’m from all over, but now call Huddersfield, UK, home. Art has always been part of my life, not full-time, but something i’ve done alongside various “proper jobs”. Today, it’s the main focus of my creative energy. Over the years, I’ve explored a range of mediums, from tattooing to acrylic landscapes, until a “happy accident” led me to the geometric abstraction style that now defines my work.
I create Geometric Abstract art that explores themes of transformation & memory. When I paint, it’s all instinctive with no pre-planning, everything happens on the canvas, I prefer that as the energy and spontaneity shine through. I love the freedom and escapism I feel when I’m painting, there’s no right or wrong, I follow the process until it feels finished, then I leave it a while to see if it really is finished, but the painting usually tells me when we’re done
Calligraphy is a key role as this is my therepy where I can put down my thoughts and emotions I’m feeling, however the words are written spontaneously so only fragments are legible, encouraging a viewer to search for meaning.
Ultimately, my work is an invitation to pause, to look closely, to feel something, and to find stillness in a world that rarely slows down. I don’t offer answers or narratives. Instead, I create spaces for reflection, where meaning can be discovered rather than dictated.
MY STORY:
After leaving the military in 2010, I opened a small art business that allowed me to sell my paintings, but like many people, life stuff took over and I stepped away to get a “proper job”. Then, in November 2017 I suffered an unexpected brain injury that landed me in intensive care with a 50% chance of survival.
Thankfully, I came through this with no major physical side effects (though I do now forget the odd random word). I am a changed person though, more insular and reflective, more comfortable in solitude and silence, but i’m happy with this change, its helped me grow, not only as an artist, but as a person. My work now carries a sense of inner calm, of thoughtful contemplation, and emotional depth.
I’ve always had a dream to become a full-time artist, something I imagined I’d pursue in retirement. I’m now 58, and that itch I’ve had since leaving the art world in 2012 has never gone away. For years, I was content with my decision as it was the right one for my family. But as time passes and the kids grow up and move on, things change.
I’m finally in a position to bring that dream forward, and if life has taught me anything, it’s that you never know what’s around the corner. We spend too much time putting things off, thinking there will always be time, but life can literally be too short to not pursue your passions and dreams. So i’m bringing the plan forward, i’m excited, a bit nervous, but ready to finally do what I love.