As an artist I think very deeply about my reasons for painting what I paint. My values and beliefs, influences and cultural background - determine who I am now and how I interpret the world. These are the results of the choices I have made throughout my life.
Growing up during the Troubles in 1970s Northern Ireland, there was little or no respect paid to alternative lifestyles.
It was not until much later in life that I realised my true identity, recognised my sexuality and met my soul mate. I was not Out in my previous working life - as the professional environment of the eighties and nineties did not encourage diversity as it does today.
It is a relief now to be an Artist - able to be myself and to be able to express my feelings and experience in my paintings.
My current project explores the whole question of individual identity - the questions we ask, the impact of our upbringing, culture and environment - what makes us feel comfortable in our own skin.
