Heron collection 2022

I've been lucky to have the time to work up a new large graphite collection. Inspired by my lockdown journey exploring the canals of the midlands here in Ireland.

Herons have always fascinated me. There is an elegance and an awkwardness that is just so appealing. The softness and structure of the wing, the sharpness and angled edges of the beak and gangly legs.

I'd often find myself in a strange staring match with an alert heron on my daily walks with my family.

My new works are exploring my and my families relationship with the area wherein I live, of which I was not born. Finding myself also as an outsider and an oddity in that regard. I left the background stark as I do on many of my works so the subject can breathe in the space and also interact within the void that he's been placed.