Research
The use of ochre - “Iron Earths” - is central to my current work both from a scientific and historical aspect and how these relate to the human psyche. Ochre being a rare cultural feature that is consistently present through the history of humankind and is the common thread along with mark making connecting all of my ongoing work. I use both purchased and foraged pigments, directly as they are, and mixed with various acrylic mediums, alongside shop bought artist grade paints.
A large part of my practice therefore involves researching the pigments from which I make my paint. I am currently working with the ancient pigments (predominantly ochre), gaining a deeper understanding of them from both a scientific and historical aspect, and how these relate to the human psyche. My thirst to absorb more knowledge has taken me on a ‘self-led pigment safaris’, exploring the wild landscape and ochres of the Luberon region in the South of France (June 2024) and the dry baron landscape in and around the Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez, National Park, in Spain (September 2023)
Photo © Rolf Hagen - from my self led pigment safari, France, 2024
