Select a region
After moving back to Jersey last year due to the pandemic, I picked up drawing as a hobby to occupy my time. Previously, I’d had no real interest in art at school, other than the occasional birthday cards which I would draw for family and friends, and scribbles in my maths exercise books. The past 12 months has certainly changed all of that though!
I studied anthropology at university and have always had a fascination with Asian culture, in particular Japan. Inspired by a recent trip to Japan and whilst there, a visit to Hokusai’s museum, I experimented with ukiyo-e, a traditional form of Japanese art.
I like Japanese art, in particular Hokusai and Hiroshige, as it manages to capture the majesty of nature and man living in harmony or at times struggling to survive nature. I try to replicate its ability to capture the subject matter but also elevate it almost into fantasy. It’s a great medium to combine with my other western influences, interests and elements of pop culture; very ‘East meets West’.
Traditionally ukiyo-e is made using ink and wood block prints, however I use a combination of pencil, paper, black pen and Promarkers to give it a modern twist. I have produced several different Asian-inspired prints as well several with more of a local theme such as the exclusive Corbiere Lighthouse piece available on MadeinJersey.je and my latest piece ‘Sea at Elizabeth Castle’ which I created for an exhibition raising funds for Jersey Heritage. The original of this piece can be seen at Elizabeth Castle until the end of July and is also available to buy online at Made in Jersey along with prints of this piece too.
I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to showcase my art to the public with Ramparts and Ian Rolls, as well as meeting members of the artistic community. I am in the process of making some Olympics based works and t-shirts with my designs, so keep an eye out for them shortly. Sayonara for now.
My exclusive ‘Made in Jersey’ piece is inspired by both Japanese lighthouses and Corbiere Lighthouse here in Jersey. It certainly makes a unique gift for a loved one and looks great in a black frame on the wall!
The Great Wall print was inspired by a past trip to Beijing. The view of the Great Wall snaking its way back across the mountains produces a tranquil and zen-like feeling.
The Great Wave of Mata Nui print was inspired by Hokusai’s famous piece and Bionicle, an old Lego toy from my childhood. I like the juxtaposition of new and old in the same drawing.
Alien in Japan is inspired by Hiroshige and the video game ‘Mass Effect’. I have experimented with adding colour, the blood red sky, into this piece to elevate the foreshadowing of what’s to come when the aliens land…
