I often uses fragile, organic objects in my work and have been experimenting with ways to give them more strength and permanence. Working with artist Rick Dickinson I have recently been experimenting with electroplating and these are some of the first results.

Unable to make it to my studio recently I brought my easel, acrylics and some canvasses home and started painting. The result is this painting of my garden shed. The shed was graffitied by Daniel Swain as a memorial for our collie dog ‘Luther’.

I’ve finally made some time to continue with this piece having collected numerous ‘amulets’ to add to the tree. This is a work in progress and I’ve been collecting items for the tree from charity shops and car boot sales for some time now. Some were collected on my journey to the eastern Turkish city of Sunli Urfa during September 2013 and others were donated by friends. A big Thank You to my friends for their donations.

‘Gathering’ 2013, bronze casts

During October 2013 I worked with artist Rick Dickinson making moulds of some of my avocado stones and using a lost wax method had them cast in bronze.

I’m really pleased with the results!

I chose to exhibit my painting ‘Enhanced Interrogation Techniques’ for the Obrigado! Exhibition at VAC GAllery in Northwich (December 2013 – January 2014).

The title ‘Enhanced Interrogation Techniques’ is the euphemism substituted for ‘torture’ by the American and British press during the invasion of Iraq. No doubt the Syrian government use similar euphemisms, although, on second thoughts, they probably don’t feel the need to bother with euphemisms they just use plain old torture.