CHARCOAL SERIES

“Charcoal can be beautifully black when required but also very subtle - the perfect medium for capturing a trick of the light upon the imagination.“

"Sparrow" "White Blackbird"

“The recent drawings of the sparrow and the white blackbird are the result of an ongoing fascination with birds, and their symbolism within our history and culture. The bird in flight is a symbol of freedom, particularly intellectual and creative freedom, but also has other meanings. This particular sparrow was drawn just after events in Paris. The symbolism is multi-layered, the common sparrow rising above. White blackbirds also exist, albinism occurring in birds as in humans. The sighting of an animal so rare is taken as a portent of dramatic change and has magical connotations".

"Angel"

“One of an intended series of drawings on the fleeting glimpse, something seen from the corner of the eye. Is it her moving dress in the breeze or...? Charcoal can be beautifully black when required but also very subtle - the perfect medium for capturing a trick of the light upon the imagination.”

"Somebody's Daughter"

"The figure viewed from behind intrigues and beguiles, makes us want to flesh out the character we see before us but she remains mysterious. An anonymous portrait with an anonymous title.”

"Leap"

For nearly four years, from 1992 to 1996, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege of a city in the history of modern warfare during the Bosnian War for independence. During that time the people tried as much as possible to live a normal existence. The charcoal drawing came about as a result of reading about people having to run along the street to do their daily shopping trying to dodge the snipers bullets. It's an image of resilience in the face of adversity but only if you know the story behind it. Otherwise she's just leaping over an undefined something in a rather graceful way."