Symbolism and surrealism have informed the way I paint in order to marry surrealism with representation. Why have to go down just one route? The fragments are now treated as metaphors for humanity in the battle with nature centred on the coastline. Where the sea meets the land is a constant tumult of change. Over time these fragments lose all facets of individuality and being anonymous like the multiple grains of sand they nestle in.
The main sourses of inspiration have come from the work of Max Ernst, in his frottage and grattage pieces. Also the work of Rosamond Purcell. These have given me technical direction and also a scientific slant respectively. I was gratified to find in the work of David Martin, my painting tutor at Leith, a similar preoccupation with the passing of time and the effect we have on our landscape. At last I can see myself in the ranks of the contemporary.