My work represents a search for something yet to be defined. Through the use of psychogeography, I map my way through the world combining my lived experiences with my inner interpretations of them in an attempt to see the 'bigger picture' and come to a more complete understanding . Often, through the use of nautical themes to represent common metaphors, my images work together to tell the narrative of this search. Using The Age of Sail as a point of departure to capture the imagination and sense of wonder that once inspired early explorers to cast themselves out into the unknown, with the sole purpose of filling in the blanks on their maps. It is my hope that the viewer is instilled with this same sense of wonder and adventure as they look to their own lives and the choices and motives for the directions they take. I want my works to inspire a deep introspection from the viewer, with the symbolism and coded messages, hidden within to act as sign posts to guide them along the way.
My current work is an exploration into the ways in which we navigate through life. The work takes an analytical view of individual, overarching narratives by plotting the ‘waypoints’ throughout our personal histories. These waypoints are usually defined as pivotal encounters and experiences (Synchronicities) that have guided us along our chosen path. By using techniques of the Surrealist artists such as the ‘Paranoiac Critical Method’ I access the subconscious to pull imagery out of the void. Cartographic icons appear, forming complex mechanisms that act as navigational devices. Within these devices, abstract concepts such as our ‘free choice’ and ‘moral compass’ start to manifest, bringing into question our own navigational focus.
Using various mediums, my works become maps that continue a series of explorations based on my own experiences and encounters.
We are guided by an internal compass, our hopes and ambitions fill our sails.
This narrative encourages the viewer to question where their place on this map, and how they got there; and, indeed, which direction is their own compass set for?
I use cartographic icons to construct complex mechanisms whose purpose it is to gauge the journey we take through life. This representation of such a device offers the reader a chance to track their path through time and identify the synchronicities that have guided them.