In conversation with Katharine Le Hardy…
Your current work tends to focus on the architecture deconstructed, however, your older work was seemingly more focused on landscapes of nature. Quite contrasting subject matters. Why the change?
I suppose I’m always influenced by my surroundings like most artists. When I first moved to London I continued painting landscapes as I was probably subconsciously yearning for rural life, but increasingly I was drawn to structure and the documentation of urban life. It became my new normal I suppose so made sense.
Was art part of your life growing up?
Yes, I was always destined to be creative I think. Art and music were very much encouraged in my household growing up. Even when it came to career choices, for which I am very grateful.
When did you realise you wanted to be an artist?
I think I always knew. I didn’t really ever consider anything else.
Your current work tends to focus on architecture deconstructed, however, your older work was seemingly more focussed on landscapes of nature. Quite contrasting subject matters. Why the change?
I suppose I’m always influenced by my surroundings like most artists. When I first moved to London I continued painting landscapes as I was probably subconsciously yearning for rural life, but increasingly I was drawn to structure and the documentation of urban life. It became my new normal I suppose so made sense.
Most people would walk past a building site and not think twice about it. Yet you seem to see the beauty in it. How did this come about?
Firstly, I like a challenge! I feel that if I can manage to find the beauty in decay then I’ve achieved something. There is beauty in almost anything, you just need to stop and look. Translating that to a canvas is where the challenge lies.
I also increasingly feel the need to document the change in the city I live in. I’m not trying to make a comment about regeneration, I just want to capture what went before.
How do you find the art world at the moment?
I feel that there is a good appetite for art at the moment. I think people are taking great pleasure in art of all forms. It’s lovely to see.
If you could have any 3 artworks in your house, what would you choose?
There are so many. There are many I’d choose differently perhaps now but these artists shaped me in the early days so therefore think they are most important.
Lucien Freud – Reflection (self-portrait)
Diebenkorn Cityscape #1
Jenny Saville – ‘Torso)
