The Machine Stops (2022) giclee print on Aquarelle Rag paper 110 x160cm

Photo Credit @JulesLister

An array of hand-sewn velvet brains are arranged as a still life, juxtaposed with objects that allude to autobiographical moments from my working-class upbringing, setting the scene for a commentary on the accessibility of knowledge—or the lack thereof—for aspiring artists from non-traditional backgrounds.  

Each piece of ephemera is carefully selected and strategically placed, creating a dialogue with the central still life arrangement while maintaining a deliberate separation. This juxtaposition not only highlights the disparity between the traditional and the contemporary but also underscores my personal journey through a landscape often marked by barriers to knowledge and artistic expression – an exploration of identity, class, and the often-surreal intersection of personal history with broader cultural narratives.