These days, more and more of us realise that the world is mostly ran for the benefit of the few. I believe that we are nearing a time when the problems this causes – globally, nationally, locally and personally – can no longer be ignored. I believe a time of change is near, when society will cease to be skewed towards the needs of the few. In Elegy for the end of an empire, I mark what I believe will be the dying events of the empire of the few.
In these paintings, I use dark tones and broken surfaces to convey the sadness and deep indignation I feel about the global depression, the UK government's economic cuts and every other way in which the many suffer at the hands of the few. Similarly, I use colour and form to depict my hopes for the independence debate in Scotland, as well as the fear that the entrenched few will distort that debate.
I also use these colours and forms to create an extra layer of personal meanings, that relates to the joys and burdens which are part of being in a long-distance relationship. These are feelings that are becoming more commonplace as the world increasingly moves online.
– December 2012

Below the surface / September 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Below the surface / September 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

The might is all / August 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

By a thousand cuts / December 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

A drop in the ocean / August 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

In empire's name / November 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Delayed reaction / August 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Split / December 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 50x76cm

Stifling dissent / November 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Together we rise / December 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

The power of that which is established / September 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Tomorrow's dust is riven by today / September 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Irreconcilable / August 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Critical mass / December 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

There is a hope / October 2012 / Mixed media on panel / 30x30cm

Agent provocateur / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

Behind closed doors / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm

In their midst / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

Better together / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

Force for change / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm

Here and no further / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm

Rebellious to crush / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

Send her victorious / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

The core / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

The left is on the right / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 16x24cm

The squeezed middle / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm

Tipping point / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm

Voice in the wilderness / October 2012 / Mixed media on paper / 24x16cm
