There's so much about life that is beautiful and miraculous and inspiring but at the same time there is so much horror and violence underpinning it - witness the contrast between the vibrant colours and delicate structure of flowers and the struggle they make to reach the sunlight and survive. I like that contrast and don't think that the wonder I feel for even the simplest everyday things could exist without that underlying darkness.

The nature of my disability means that it takes a long time to do anything at all and my choice of subject matter (rock formations, plant life) has a significant meaning for me as things move and change but at such a slow rate that nobody ever notices!

Another important part of my work is the process of actually producing it. The physical act of carving into and touching the surface of the printing block allows me to feel what I'm doing and to let my emotions guide me and the work is therefore directly intuitive. Although, at the same time, the prints are the result of diligent studies of nature through still life drawings, they are consequently freer, more honest and expressive.

A further reason for my choice of subject matter and medium is my dissatisfaction with the pace of modern city life. Everything has to be done yesterday! We, as a society, are becoming so far removed from our environment and our health and personal lives are suffering due to the demands of work. It's important to take the time to just stop, breath, think, to look at the world around us and to enjoy the moment.