Dormant 37

My work is a necessary form of art therapy, reflecting the various states of my own mental health. In particular, the dark and chasmic forms of depression that I live with find an external expression and visualisation through these black volcanic masses. It is through this practice that I am able release and externalise my inner world. It is catharsis. These works are part of my Dormant series and have been created by blending plasters, ground lava stone (basalt), Japanese ink, and calligraphy paper; which is then applied to canvas in portrait format by hand. As the medium begins to dry, I use my fingers, volcanic stones, and heat to manipulate, sculpt, and texture the surface.