
I’ve just opened a solo show at Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre, where you can see new paintings and 3D pieces.
I’m guessing the building was originally an old school. I’m showing in what I think was the old assembly hall, but it’s now public library and community space. It’s not your typical white-cube gallery, and that’s part of the charm.
THE SPACE
The space immediately brought back memories of my secondary school days at Maria Fidelis in Camden. Shiny tiled floors, picture rails, and that unmistakable smell of public spaces that double as everything from a reading room to a Pilates studio. There’s something comforting about showing work in a place that feels so familiar and democratic.
That familiarity, though, also posed a bit of a challenge. Lately, I’ve been used to exhibiting in traditional gallery environments, so adapting the work for a long, narrow wall in a multi-use public room took some planning. Smaller works, especially little 3D pieces, can easily get swallowed up in a space like this. I wanted to both honour the space and its visitors as well as give the show some impact.
I had to think not just about aesthetics, but also about function – how the work would live alongside books, photocopiers chairs, and the occasional toddler group.
It’s been lovely seeing the paper clouds bob gently above the bookshelves. There’s something quietly joyful about that juxtaposition – soft floating forms hovering over metal utilitarian shelves.
THE SHOW
The show itself is a snapshot of my past year in the studio – a mix of vivid, graffiti-inspired abstract landscape paintings and sculptural pieces that play with texture, balance, and movement.
You’ll see bold colours, expressive marks, and a bit of unruliness. Some works are more meditative, others full of restless energy – but all explore the intersection of gesture, memory, and material.
THE LOCATION
Many of the new paintings were inspired by walks around Harwich and Dovercourt. I really love the architecture of these places and, of course, I’m intrigued by their history as a port and seaside holiday place. I’ve often wondered because of its beautiful buildings and fascinating history – Harwich Port has been an instrumental player in some fascinating historical moments – that this region may go the way of Margate in terms of generification.
THE WORK
I’ve been experimenting with calligraphic mark-making and the kind of layered, symbolic abstraction that sits somewhere between language and image. My sculptural works – think folded fabric, wire forms, translucent paper – touch on ideas of homesickness, rewriting, and transformation, all rooted in my past life in journalism and publishing.
If I sound a bit lofty, forgive me. Honestly, what’s been most rewarding is knowing that this work will be seen by such a wide and varied group of people – library-goers, community groups, families, local art lovers. That accessibility really matters to me.
The show runs until the end of July, and if you’re in the area, I’d love for you to stop by if you can.
Also BIG shout out to Dr B for helping me put up the show, to Matthew Linley for storing the damn stuff and to Chris Singleton who got it all there!