Drawing Breath (2016)

The story behind the painting
Drawing Breath (2016)
This is Rachel, my Mum. The sketches and reference photos for this painting were done on the day before I left her home in Liverpool, heading back to NZ, after my 2016 trip to the UK. I’m very close to my Mum – we still talk every week on the phone – and over the years we’ve discussed everything, often at the tea table, where we’ll sit together long after the tea has gone. Mum’s fragile physique is largely a result of anorexia and nervous anxiety but it camouflages a strong life force and a warmth and generosity which have been both inspiring and incredibly encouraging. Mum has been supportive of all of my creative endeavours, and delighted in sharing my journey – and I’ve found her (quite different) response to life one of the most important factors in establishing my own ideas and outlook.