Paintings
I base my paintings on collages. The collages are assemblies of disparate imagery which I find for the most part on the internet. My aim is to find an unexpected link between figures and their environments (and/or each other). I therefore combine and recombine these images (often merging them with parts of other collages) until an association emerges. It seems like a good way of circumventing a conscious approach to figure painting.
The collages form the foundations for the paintings. I try to make their compositions strong enough so that if I veer from them - following new routes the paint takes - their structure remains.
My main hope is to create a unique and persuasive world in each picture. One which works according to its own logic and convinces by the strength of imagery and the paint that depicts it.
Portraits
I undertake portraits in my studio in Canberra, either from life or from photos. The process of commisioning is simple - please email me using the contact form or call me on the number provided on the same page and I can take you through it.
For portraits painted from life I would require 4 to 5 sittings of 2 hours each, arranged at the sitter's convenience. In my experience the subject is very much a part of the process. Sitters often express surprise at how rewarding the experience has been. This isn't to say that sitting for a portrait isn't sometimes boring - I have sat and I know that it can be - but that the sense of collaboration between painter and sitter in making the picture is often fulfilling for both.
Landscapes
I’m hoping to produce a body of studio based landscapes, exploring, amongst other things, a sense of the animal histories (mainly human) that have shaped them. I aim to achieve this using a wide range of approaches to the painting process. I am currently working on a series depicting different sections of the space tracking station in the Orroral Valley.
Recent Exhibitions
2023
The Lethbridge 2000 Small Scale Art Award, The National Capital Art Prize
Lethbridge Gallery Aarwuna Gallery
Brisbane Canberra
June 2023 September 2023
2022
Now The Mandorla Art Prize Show
(Group Show) (Finalist)
M16 Artspace Perth
Canberra May - June 2022
July- August 2022
Waverly Art Prize Exhibition The Night Side of Nature,
(Finalist) Solo Show
Bondi Pavilion M16 Art Space
NSW Canberra
September - October 2022 May - June 2022
2021
Figurative Art Now Prize Exhibition
Parker Harris Online
July - September 2021
Waverly Art Prize Exhibition
(Finalist)
NSW, Australia
June - July 2021
Black and White
(Group Show)
M16 Artspace, Canberra, Australia
July 2021
2019
Nick Offer New Paintings
The Bomb Factory, London, UK
July 2019
Battersea
The Contemporary Fine Art Gallery, Eton, Berkshire
Group Show
2015
New Paintings
Krilova Stelfox Gallery
Hanbury Street, London
Solo Show
Collections
Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, Dubai. Princess Haya of Jordan. Private collections in UK, Australia, New Zealand, China, Germany, Spain, Belgium and United States.
Other
Nationwide poster campaign for M & C Saatchi (commended in Creative Review, Lurzers International Archive 2004 and the Design and Art Direction Annual 2005)
Adrenalin Magazine (runner up 2005 Magazine Awards Illustration Award)
Education
Winchester School of Art (M.A. Fine Art)
Edinburgh College of Art (B.A. Painting)