Where does your artistic universe come from? Is it a visual world that you take from your own life or from art history?

I’m very interested in the depiction of homes and interiors within our culture, may that be in advertisements, pre-renaissance paintings, theatre stages or interior magazines. I especially love looking for the archetypal elements of interiors. What makes a portrayal of an intimate home, an intimate home? How does our media and culture boil down something very intimate like the home into a depiction of this? 

And so wherever I go, on a walk, seeing exhibitions, movies or visiting loved ones, my eyes are always peeled for interesting interiors. 

For the works in the exhibition, you can see clear references to the villa I have been staying in for a month whilst on an artist residency in Tuscany. An old creaky home with grand doors and hallways. 

You’ll also notice flowers in some paintings, which are direct observations from the flowers on the grounds at Villa Lena.  

Human figures, draped textiles and everyday scenes. Can you tell us more about the role of symbols in the works?

Elements of the home that are universally recognisable, like a dining table, a curtain or a window, symbolise an intimate setting to me. 

They are the building blocks to creating a safe environment in my work. Within these settings and elements, a human figure that I imagine inhabiting these surroundings can be their true self. 

At the same time these elements are a constant metaphor for subjects like personal boundaries or social anxiety.

A window could represent being viewed and looked at, while a curtain may symbolise a shield or hiding from this view. 

The recent additions of plants and flowers in my work are a bridge between the outside and inside, or another blending of the boundaries of the private and public. 

The flowers in particular are representations of this duality. A wild flower growing and thriving outside, but can also be found inside, adding to the intimacy of someone's home. 

You exhibit works both as watercolours and collages. What is the difference in working in the two different formats?

The use of collages means the process can be a lot more fluid and organic, I sometimes prefer working this way as I can build and take away elements. 

It is a more playful way of making, and can be liberating not knowing where the image will end up. 

The collages allow me to continue shifting and building until something interesting happens with different textures and brush strokes.