This is a series of paintings inspired by a recent visit to Norway and a visit some years ago to Iceland. In both countries, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscapes, landscapes in which the power of nature is both immediate and visible. Perhaps for the first time, I understood what it means to experience the Sublime in nature, to realise how infinitesimally small we are in the face of soaring mountains, thundering waterfalls, dark, deep and mysterious fjords, and, in Iceland, the ever-present reminders of fire and ice. When I returned home, I knew that I wanted to try and capture in paint some of my experiences.

Generally, my work is guided by instinct rather than a predetermined outcome. I like to allow each painting to unfold organically, following the movement of colour, texture and form as they suggest new possibilities. The ensuing work inhabits the liminal space between observation and imagination and forms reminiscent of figures, animals, trees, and other organic structures, emerge and transform on the canvas. These shapes exist between abstraction and recognition, inviting viewers to find their own meanings and associations within the work. When I began this series, I found that the paintings demanded a more figurative approach, a challenge for me, as it requires me to think differently about how I apply paint and the palette I choose to convey the emotional and often dramatic intensity of my experience in those places.