2019
Each object in these paintings belongs to a friend or neighbour who chose it as being particularly significant to them. All things carry meanings and memories to each of us and connect us to significant times, people and places.
Keep your head above water
140 x 212
oil paint on silk saris
Mostly objects that have strong family connections , like the caravan which belongs to Dan, who has Roma roots. The coffee pot was made on board ship during WW2 by Kate’s grandfather. She never met him as he didn’t survive the war, but she cherishes the connection this pot gives her.
Twelve treasures
122 x 214 cms oil paint on silk sari
These precious possessions were lent by friends for ongoing research about what connects us to our cultures, histories and identity. The little Ethiopian coffee cups are used every day by Catherine who has a strong connection with the country and creates beautiful paintings about it. The old tie was worn every day without fail by Elaine’s dad, even if he was gardening.
Twenty three souvenirs
122 x 214 cms, oil paint on silk saris.
A collection of diverse religious objects representing many countries and beliefs. They sit shoulder to shoulder on an equal platform
Together
122 x 214 cms
oil paint on tie dyed sari
From around the world, these souvenirs mirror my community in NW London
Where have all the flowers gone
122 x 214 cms
oil paint on primed silk
A song about peace by Pete Seeger. It’s inspired by a Cossack folk song that describes how flowers were picked by young girls who’d chosen husbands, the husbands joined the army and the flowers are growing on their graves.
Today flowers are also threatened by chemicals and GMO crops and need to nurtured along with all diversity.
Michaelmas
122 x 214 cms
oil paint on silk sari
This is the second painting charting the flowers in my garden. On this occasion the fabric is so transparent that the paint casts shadows on the wall behind giving the flowers a three dimensionality.