In my current work I have tried to explore new direction in the use of formal elements within the painting. I have tried to contrast these elements. Areas of flat paint contrast with areas of intensely worked surfaces, controlled drawings requiring a lot of prior preparation contrast with drawings in which accident and a lack of control are key. The subject matter of the work follows on from previous themes which reoccur within my work. Notions of place, identity and belonging are a constant within my paintings. I have a fascination for the ways in which we as humans strive to identify ourselves as being part of a particular grouping or another. Our dress, our accent our address all seem to serve as markers of our social set. My work aims to capture those on the periphery and the inherent sadness of their attempts to find a place.