The Artist

My work as a set and costume designer, performance maker, writer, painter and draughtsman intertwine to present one complete picture. My work usually starts as images that come to life. They create complete realities which sometimes come from far-distant times, places, traditions and habits and sometimes present a contemporary environment and idea.

In my work as a set and costume designer and maker I approach each piece as a blank canvas. I look for visual references in the text or choreography to help me find the unique language to the particular piece. I then research the initial visual pointers and develop the elements to complete worlds. The use of colour is vital in my work and I use it as a strengthener to character, situation, world and mood. I extensively use drawing as a driving force in developing a design idea.

My performance work usually reflects on a contemporary issue or political situation. I use text and movement on the background of visually charged stages to draw my audience into the world of each performance. I use the multiplicity of hand made and manufactured objects to create a world for the performance as well as a vital tool to travel from one narrative to the other. I use an amalgamation of personal experiences and universal signs and symbols to present a performance idea. My performance work often takes the form of a ritual that contains the essence of my country’s past. While the majority of my performance practice is solo I am also developing collaborative performance practices.

My paintings and drawings come as an immediate reaction to daily situations. Human figures rarely appear in my paintings however the narratives of the objects reflect the work of the human body. They act as solidified memories, images and worlds. I use ply wood and conservation card as a base for the paintings which gives them a sculptural quality and depth.