“How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Ocean.” Arthur C. Clarke

Life on earth originated from and is sustained by water which is fundamental to cell formation in all life forms. The unique molecular structure of water enables it’s ability to flow, evaporate, condense and freeze – among many others and these properties have shaped the climateand environments of the earth.

Most of the water on the planet is held in the oceans, the temperature of which determines climatic circulation – now destabilized by climate change leading to the increased frequency of storms, floods, desertification and droughts. Only one percent of global fresh water is easily accessible and it’s increasingly erratic distribution coupled with growing populations has led to a clean water crisis in much of the world.

More than 90% of this additional carbon has diffused into the oceans through direct chemical exchange. Consequently, the current increase in acidity in the oceans is the fastest known change in the past 50 million years, a rate that makes it difficult for marine ecosystems to adapt. The increased heating of the upper ocean layer has a profound effect on the interconnected ocean circulatory system and on the volatility of the climate, most adversely affecting vulnerable populations around the globe – as is now obvious.

Without human interference, the accumulated carbon retained in fossil deposits would leak slowly into the oceans and atmosphere over millions of years through volcanic activity, erosion and plate tectonics. Over the last 200 years, by extracting and burning coal, oil, and natural gas we have vastly accelerated the process, releasing huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.

The Hydrosphere series explores the relationship between water as medium and water as subject and the layers of meaning generated. Through an intensive process of experiment, I have sought to understand how specific pigments, papers and water interact and harness this knowledge to make watercolour which is evocative of, and inscribes the processes of the natural world rather than illustrate them.  Accretion, diffusion, the latent energy of materials and the specific properties of water, such as surface tension and flow dynamics are used to make work which investigates and celebrates the mysterious properties of water and suggests a language relevant to this crucial moment in history.

‘It is only slightly overstating the case to say that physics is the study of symmetry.’ Philip Anderson, Nobel laureate.

Although many of these paintings appear symmetrical and controlled, the variations occurring within them are analogous with variation in nature – and to what Japanese aesthetics refer to as wabi-sabi. These organic characteristics and the inherent properties of interdependence are the persistent concerns of the work.

Ultimately, the aim is to make contemplative work which mirrors the processes of the natural world and rewards familiarity while retaining a mystery commensurate with the mysterious physics of water itself. 

Comments made by visitors to the recent ‘Hydrosphere Blues’ exhibition at Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Cumbria (which has an exceptional footfall) indicated that many people find this work to be accessible, and calming – as well as understanding its implicit critique.

‘Over a period of several hundred years, we have also extracted about 60% by weight of all sea life – even while polluting the oceans, causing lasting damage to their ecosystems which provide our fundamental life-support system.

The Hydrosphere series consistently values the optical potential of the white ground in watercolour, deploying and modulating the void as appropriate.

The paintings are made with the most lightfast and highest quality watercolour, including hand ground mineral pigments and natural mediums on 100% cotton paper.

The bespoke handmade framing by a leading UK framer is to archival and museum standards with 100% cotton conservation mounts and backing boards.