I have a particular interest in environmental art and I am intrigued by geomorphological processes and the way landscapes change. 

I am attracted to the idea of erasure and over-writing in these ever changing, often called ‘palimpsest’ landscapes. The metaphor derives from ancient manuscripts that were scraped down and reused over and over again. Traces of older layers are visible on the current surface. Similarly, our landscapes reveal traces of a multitude of layers.

Ever since I came to Scotland, some 30 years ago, I have been fascinated by the edge of our island as a place where land and sea meet. The coast and especially the intertidal zone is where these changes are most visible and can be observed within a short period of time.

 

The littoral or intertidal zone is an environment of extremes. Only highly specialised life-forms can survive with the high salt levels, being submerged under water and then completely dry again for several hours each day. Weather conditions can have a detrimental effect on the land, flora, fauna and human habitation. Continuous erosion and sedimentation mean that the coast is in a constant state of flux.

 

My work is informed by the geology, habitats, organisms, shapes and patterns of the littoral zone. Based on fieldwork gathered along our coastline, I create abstract landscapes by mapping ecosystems such as estuaries, rockpools and cliffs, emphasizing the flow of water, movement of organisms and the rhythm of the tide.

 

Although painting is at the centre of my practice, I explore a variety of processes and materials to express my ideas often mimicking the geomorphological processes which are happening in the landscape.

 

The intertidal zone is a fragile, transient space. Rising sea levels and pollution pose a severe threat to habitats and their ecosystems. Through mapping, visually reconstructing habitats and recording my holistic experiences, I am attempting to create a sense of place in my work, which will help myself and the viewer to understand the vulnerability of our environment and form a connection to the ecology of the chosen locations.