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Artist Statement - Seoul '97
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Truth: to reduce the gulf between the subject, artwork and viewer. Ink on paper paintings and calligraphy are close to the essence. Knife excavations into found wall posters revealing a history of the site; creation from subtraction. Slight alterations to existing materials or recontextualising established systems. Minimal intervention allows the subject to speak for itself.

Flux at the interstice where different realms intersect is a source of creativity. The chaotic oil that flows when different disciplines collide lubricates new possibilities. To focus beyond established structures and become sensitive to newly emerging patterns. Drawing deeply the pure liquid from the well of our original soul and bringing it to a boil under the roaring fire of existence.

Beauty derives from Nature. Manufactured beauty like art and music evoke fragments of what is already all around us. The beauty of a flower surpasses that of our greatest creations so the best we can do is learn to mimic. Flowers and fruit are sexy and are perpetual inspiration for art. Raindrop ripples on the pond's surface synthesize Heaven and Earth. I feel like a fish in the pond, floating between the two realms.

Games played by the human ego rushing around in all directions are amusing but dangerous. The irony of using synthetic compounds to reproduce grass and fur, or packaging 'pure' water in plastic bottles. Humour is instantaneous and can transcend culture, age and gender. The moment of enlightenment sparked by laughter pierces through defences and enables direct communication.

Love for all that share this world. We are of Nature but what we manufacture is not. Activity without love is dangerous. Art should be inclusive and engage the common folks. It can reflect our state, warn of impending danger, expand understanding and entertain the senses. The heart must mediate between the head and hands.

Seoul, 4/97