Have we the dominant species disconnected from the land? Bound by the shackles of modern life, we ignore the fact that produce, faceless and packaged wrapped, ever came from a living animal. Do we ever consider the magnificent animals that are significant to our survival?

Livestock captivate me. I find their movements, physiology and interactions fascinating, from their knotted coats and spittle covered noses to their wide inquisitive eyes. By taking animals out of the landscape and into the gallery, I invite the viewer to stop and look at them afresh.

Information

I have recently completed my MA Fine art at Aberystwyth University

For as long as I can remember I have always been surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes, so when it came to picking a focus for my work the subject matter that surrounded me appeared the most obvious choice.

Aberystwyth is the perfect vehicle for my growth as an artist, seamlessly set with the Welsh countryside on its doorstep. Such a rich abundance of visual stimulation provides me with wealth of inspiration to draw upon.

Livestock is currently the main focus of my work. Heading out into the Welsh wilderness, armed with my camera I go ready to capture the inhabitants of the rolling fields and mountainous regions. Sieving through the digital photographs in search of an image that frames perfectly the charm and individuality of the animal. Admittedly working from photographs is necessarily working from reference that is already 'edited' by the lens. However, it is an opportunity for closely observed, detailed work that allows for a great deal of control. Each element of the composition is a thoughtful process; from the delicate brush strokes of the eyelashes and the water droplets clinging to the nose to the build up of colour and texture and the wayward whiskers and tangled hairs.

Cow Portrait

46 x 61cm Acrylic on Canvas

£375

Minature Highland

147.5 x 242cm Charcoal on Canvas

£950

Soay Sheep I

137 x 130cm Acrylic on Canvas 

£475

Soay Sheep II

137 x 130cm Acrylic on Canvas

£475