I find that spirals are a constantly recurring symbol in my artistic practice. Spirals feel like a tangible way to process the passing of time to me. They illustrate that we can’t ever really return to the same place again. That nothing is ever truly repeated. I also think so much of my work is derived from the time I spend within bodies of water, not only from its constant varying movement but from how water pulls you in, it engulfs you but still can have buoyant properties.

I think diversity in the medium is needed to match the message. So, to create the background of this piece, I sandwiched a layer of soft pastels between acrylics, it created an airy, celestial feel. After sealing the background in with a coat of varnish I created the patterns of my emerging spiral using acrylics. It was imperative that none of the patterns of the spiral repeat, although it might seem like some do at first glance, the opposite is true. The next step of the process is to add all the finer linework, this is the most satisfying portion for me. I make sure I keep in mind that the center point of the spiral is a portal when doing my linework, this helps me ensure that my strokes have the motion of something emerging or being pulled into the core of the form.

I always leave the core of my spiral forms white, in deep contrast with the colour and detail of its surroundings, as if a bright overpowering light is emitting within them. This light represents the very apparent unknown, we don’t really know where we come from and we don’t really know what’s going to happen.