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The human form must be one of the most drawn, painted and subjects of men, women and children, represented from birth to death. I am inspired speechless at the beauty of Bernini’s sculpture the ‘Rape of Proserpini’ which he created in 1598. He and other classical artists used grand materials such as marble where I am currently using the humble mixed media and tissue paper. I am now labouring to represent the human form in relation to the abject body which is not always a pleasant subject to view but while revulsing and scaring us it calls us back to view it again and again because we know that although that despite its fearfulness this form is part of our history and existence.

I love the story of Proserpini (AKA Persephone). She was the Greek Goddess of agriculture – very beautiful. One day Hades (the God of the underworld) snatched her and took her back to his underground realm. Her parents begged for her return and it was agreed as long as she did not eat anything while she was there. However she did eat six pomegranate seeds and thus her fate was sealed. Persephone could only return to her parents for 6 months of the year – when the spring and summer accompanied her. For the remaining 6 months she was in the cold underworld which is why the earth was left cold, dark and wintry (Visit Artble.com -Gian Lorenzo Bernini).