“My paintings begin as digital collages pieced together from
fragments of historical images. These are translated onto
canvas by hand, underpinned by the knowledge that
translation is an inherently imprecise methodology. This
imperfect act of translation from screen to painting becomes a
metaphor for the mutability of history and memory.
Encaustic and Majolica I is comprised of pictorial elements
from late 19th century tile trade catalogues, sourced through
the Caroline Simpson Research Library. This composition
builds and erases. It layers colour, form and pattern, and it
liquifies, warps, expands and contracts. Most significantly, this
painting suggests a revitalised and playful approach to
traditional notions of ‘the decorative’ as something
superfluous or excessive.” – Emily Galicek