After a gap of seven years, the new series (long wall of kitchen, hi-fi) demonstrates an emerging confidence, playfulness and imagination. No longer set by rules, I took breaks knowing it would make the work better. The aesthetic of the art taking preference over the puritanical bootcamp.

The obvious differences:

The old pieces have a gap between the squares//The new ones no.

I don’t remember why I had a gap but it might have been a practical decision. The boards are handmade and different sizes. Whatever, it was meant to be like that to show me something. It’s perfect.

The rug this time around is closer to my original vision. It snakes out from the wall, suspended like a magic carpet full of magic and possibility. It’s alive.

I remember when I made the original it seemed big. It looks tiny and the pieces disparate now, compared to the consolidated power of the 2025 reboot.

The old squares are for sale individually//The new pieces are not for sale. The old series is a collection of different artworks, signified by the gap. The new: one continuous piece, which I value as a whole.

The old ones were a means to get better at painting. The new ones have a playful quality which would have been impossible back then.

Continuity as my favourite yardstick. Keep one thing the same to notice the changes.

NEW REPLACES OLD

You may notice that some sections of the bookcase have been replaced by printed squares. This is where I have sold individual pieces. I would repaint the same space however it appeared when I revisited it at the later time (until 2022). Around 50 of the squares were repainted after I sold them, (originals in model behind door). Some many times over. The best seller? The Vespa card on the bookcase that my mum made. This is the fourth version of that square. All three of the buyers are here tonight. Continuity is a wonderful yardstick.

Please take a seat. You can sit on the armchair and take photos through the viewfinder I use for my paintings. I’ll include them in the companion book I am writing about the project.

There is too much to say here. If you enjoy my whimsy, I am writing a book about my process. A companion piece to the exhibition with the same title. I am in loquacious form. Finding a voice through the writing and discovering a depth I didn’t realise was there. I’m mainly a doer and I am reminded that it is nice to reflect as well.

You can link through the QR code on this page to read a snippet and pre order a copy, or find me in person and you can pay cash or card and get a signed copy for the same price.

Please do get on board – it’s a crowdfunded type-deal, I need to get 150 sign-ups before the publisher will push the button.

You will also find some early, embryonic experiments in painted fragments: the Pineapple, and the origins of it all: The 2017, five-piece framed Rhododendron next to the armchair.

Thanks for coming, and enjoy the show,