Annwn: Imaginary Landscapes - The Otherworld

Annwn: A mystical other world in Welsh mythology, sometimes described as a hidden realm with a magical landscape where land, water, and time intertwine.

The creative process behind making these paintings begins with being outside in the landscape, capturing the freedom of experiencing weather. I take photographs, but don't work directly from them - I make sketches using charcoal and pencil. Once back in the studio, I make larger drawings, often with no plans - only an intention. Then I work directly onto wooden boards. I use mono-print, collage and layer thick paint, scraping, making marks and drawing into it. Gold leaf is embedded into paint and paper, sanded back to create a rich patina. There are many layers in a painting, but sometimes there may be only one. It becomes a felt sense, knowing when to stop.