Hi

Hi emerged from layers of grey. I painted one layer after another until the surface became thick with different shades and textures. Then, with my eyes closed, I drew the silhouette.

When I opened my eyes, the figure was there.

I didn't know who it was, or where it had come from. It seemed to be stepping out of the shadows, an enigmatic presence suddenly revealing itself.

The painting grew from my fascination with the way we become aware of another person. Some people seem to carry a stronger presence than others; sometimes we notice them before we have even consciously seen them. There is a moment of recognition, almost like a small surprise: Oh, you're here!

Hi explores that moment when an unseen presence becomes visible, somewhere between intuition, perception and imagination.