When one collection ends a new series begins. The Natural
Lines Collection extended across 2 years (2023-2025) and saw me develop my skillset. My
progression was visible in every piece from...more accurate and realistic animals
in varying angles... to increased sophistication in composition and layering of
animals within.
I loved this collection, the pieces I produced, but also the way it challenged my perspective and harnessed the way my brain interprets what I see.
But I have to be honest I have really missed painting! I always loved embracing the unknown which painting gives you. So, it was time to close the sketchbook on this collection and start a new series.
I wanted my new series to fulfil 5 things:
1. Continue the complexity and composition of layered
animals which leads to intricate creativity during the sketching phase which I
have enjoyed more and more.
2. Encourage the viewer to look closer and encourage each person to take the time to appreciate and look closer at nature’s wonder.
3. Reinstating an educational aspect to open the viewer’s mind and gives the series meaning and purpose.
4. Include habitats and species which extend beyond the
animal featured and the interconnectivity and highlight intricate connections of animals within
ecosystems.
5. Reintroduce colour and unpredictability of paint / embracing the unknown combined with the satisfaction of intricate detail of fine liner pens.
So, I am happy to announce the start of my new series:
Intricate Indications
Although we may have a favourite species or animal they exist in an intricate complex system. This series explores 3 types of species groups present in a habitat or ecosystem as well as celebrating the connectivity of nature:
Keystone species
“Keystone” species are integral to the success of an
ecosystem. In simple terms, without them the system could collapse. These
species range from those at the bottom of the food webs, our primary producers,
to key top predators that keep the system balanced.
Indicator species
Umbrella species
“Umbrella” species are an emerging topic and have different
criteria across the research space. The general concept is that by protecting
one species you can protect others under the same umbrella. The species may be
the focus of conservation but there are animals in the habitats they use that
benefit under their “umbrella”. This resonates with me and highlights interconnectivity
of nature which can often be forgotten when we focus on one species, even
though they may be vulnerable. We may have a favourite animal but how could protecting them protect other species or ecosystems?
Progress so far...
Each piece features these three pillars in pen with umbrella
species most often the main animal with painted detail added, obscuring indicator species within, making you
look closer at the indicators nature is showing you. You might not see them at
first.
This series is just beginning, but I am already producing my best ever compositions, reconnecting with an abandoned medium, watercolour, and reigniting my passion for engaging and educating audiences to help us all prioritise nature for our combined future. Click through the process for this seahorse below...
Leaving it all on the page
I will be doing less recording/video footage during the process of these pieces to allow my creativity to remain undisturbed, intimate and personal, so I can leave it all on the page.
I hope to develop prints, but this won’t be my primary
focus. Thanks for reading to the end of this personal update,
I will share progress with you soon.
