Statement

I have stories to tell and experiences to relay. From friends and family who suffered, fought and killed. I feel a responsibility to try and convey the message that conflict is not as simple as it is portrayed.

Prior to beginning MACAP, I researched “On this day in Europe. The aim was to highlight how the European Union is a force for peace within its boundaries. I assumed that everyone in the UK would want peace.

I am still interested in finding out about how fear, hate, supremacism and nationalism/tribalism is learned or used by actors to maintain control or hold power.

I strive to enlighten viewers to the possibility of reading the messages from a different viewpoint. I would like to encourage empathy.

Coins and medals have been a vital part of expressing the identity of a community. They are artefacts for museums and loft fodder. They attract ranges of respect, offence, commemoration, reward, and celebration. They can record a particular perspective of a fact, myth or lie.

The value of the medals or coins, scarcity, materials used, trading/market, museum quality, fake, family history, restoration and re-use all reflect the values of one community or another. There are global similarities.

Today, the presentation of histories as truth and or lies, depending on the actor’s tactics, provides thought for the most fervent non critical thinker. I think I have learnt that the presentation of “Western Democracy” is a betrayal.

I liked using bronze because of the circular historical nature of its use. Utensil to weapon to sculpture to weapon to bell to cannon to medal. Rinse and repeat on various scales.

I like to help. I like to contribute. I like to build. I am keen to explore other methods of art medium. Human things. Sound, smell and touch. I like dreaming up ideas. Then solving problems which develop my palate.

I have used my research to incorporate artefacts into installations as well as a number of prints and paintings which reflect and incorporate, medals and coins

I have an abstract streak but I control much what I do closely. In my earlier (architectural) career I was paid to control. Every line had a reason, usually more than one. The abstract work, and the use of granulating paint loosens me to express my ideas. I still include figurative and obvious symbolic references.

The idea of history for sale illustrating the consumption of serious things in a commercial format. Concealing the offensive, adjusting version.