Having exhibited in mixed exhibitions at Badcocks, this is the first time her paintings can be seen in such quantity.

Her new body of work draws strongly on an element that is quickly becoming her trademark; subtlety, both in content and application.

I like to juxtapose the beautiful poetics and uneasy times of life side by side to create a balanced image that appeals and yet causes some doubt.

I hope to achieve this not only by the images I choose but also by the way I paint. It is important to me that the paint is applied sometimes in a controlled way, while at other times allowing the accidental to lead the work in its own direction. I enjoy the rawness of some areas sitting oddly beside more intended parts of my work. The process I use to apply the paint echoes the same concept that inspires the work. Elements and layers appear, trail away, reappear before settling into a captured irnage, hence reflecting the motion of events or attachment that mark the transient nature of life.

The reoccurring elements I use such as bed, chairs and others, become in a way lyrical inventions. They tend to exist as actors in imaginary plays or settings, which I entertain myself with as I proceed with the act of inventing and creating an image. They symbolise events, thoughts and observations on personal and more universal experiences.

In my recent work, the size of these recognisable elements has changed in scale. These differences are an indication of the change that I feel has taken place in the way we perceive ourselves in the present world situation. Although the work at first stem from personal thoughts and life events, it also addresses a wider concern that of our own precariousness.

By using these familiar images, I hope the viewer will be able to relate to some aspects of the work and interpret them in their own personal way while appreciating the painting for its formal qualities.

Marie-Claire Hamon