Originally my art was created to reflect political and social issues and inspire discussion about them. Over the past three years I have moved from painting to producing installations and as my work has evolved I have endeavoured to make art that is more personal and intrinsically related to my immediate family and me. I enjoy personal engagement with my work but I don’t want to influence the observer’s perception of what they see. Consequently, I don’t try and explain my work to the viewer because I believe the work should encourage a response before it becomes subject to analysis. The viewer may react to the work with immediacy or he or she may unwittingly delve into his or her own subconscious to provoke personal understanding – either would be a valid response.
I think of an installation as multi-dimensional; an installation refuses to be pigeonholed. It can consist of an amalgamation of media – paint, photography, film, sculpture and/or performance. It can stand alone or, in the case of interactive art, only work with the viewer’s physical participation. It can be shown either inside or outside a gallery and this diversity is something I embrace.
The artists who inspire me are Janet Cardiff, who works alongside Georges Bures Miller to produce many engaging works. In 1965 Nam June Paik was one of the first artists to use a Sony camcorder and camera for art, paving the way for many artists who now rely on film to make their art. His inspirational work has influenced some of the work I have produced.