This page offers a snapshot of what's occupying my attention and energy right now. It will evolve as I do, with updates roughly twice yearly as the seasons change. For more regular thoughts and process notes, have a look at my Notebook pages, or subscribe to my Substack.

Spring Summer 2025

I'm loving the slower rhythms and wilder spaces that come with living on the Isle of Man.

I've developed an interest in phenology—the study of cyclical natural phenomena and their timing throughout the seasons. This awareness weaves through both my visual work and daily life, grounding me in the present moment and the specific character of the island.

Photography

I'm starting to develop a long-term photographic project exploring the deep connection between people and place here on the island. My focus is on individuals who act as stewards of the island's natural world—whether through conservation, craft, tradition, or quiet care for the land and sea.

I'm particularly drawn to documenting how ordinary people contribute to the island's ecological and cultural resilience. There's something profoundly moving about these often-overlooked acts of guardianship that sustain the wild character of this place.

Illustration

My illustrations currently draw inspiration from the seasonal rhythms of nature and the life cycles of plants and insects. I'm leaning into folk-art sensibilities with bold colours, distinctive shapes and patterns.

I'm very much in an experimental phase, playing with gouache, pencils, collage, as well as digital tools like Procreate. There's no rush to define a singular style; I'm following my curiosity and enjoying the process of discovery.

My Approach to Work & Creativity

I've embraced a sort of "polyculture" approach to my life and work—deliberately cultivating variety rather than monoculture. My days blend physical outdoor work, administrative tasks, and creative practice. This intentional diversity keeps me engaged and creates unexpected cross-pollination between different areas of my life.

In my garden, I'm experimenting with chaos gardening—embracing polyculture, permaculture principles, and generally low-effort approaches to growing. There's something satisfying about working with nature rather than imposing rigid order.

Online Presence

I'm reconsidering how I want to exist online, particularly my resistance to platforms like Instagram. I'm drawn toward long-form writing and more thoughtful sharing through this website and my Substack newsletter, which feels more authentic to my temperament.

I'm currently exploring how the principles of permaculture might apply to designing a sustainable artistic practice. I've started writing about this and will share these thoughts here and through my newsletter as they develop.