In the series called 'bodysnatchers'
I show a collection of characters who are both real and fictitious, who have a
close relationship with myself in terms of experience and inheritance, both
spiritual and real. I use myself in the images, which are derived from ideas
drawn up and then performed on location. I draw the characters from my personal
experiences where the boundaries of reality and imagination, dream and
experience blur, through various stages in life. They present some unnerving
opposites, in roles that may be seen as mainstream, the norm, and what is
acceptable, but cross the boundaries and reveal disturbing realities.
'bodysnatchers' evolved from my interest in how vulnerable
people can become from incidents and experiences from the pressures of society,
can lead to mounting mental anguish. From observations I would notice how
ambitions in the work place would turn into obsession and loss of reality,
insight and control, which would lead to aggression. And how unfortunate
traumatic experiences and abuse cause distress, self-deterioration, and fear.
'today if we scratch the
surface to reveal the unpleasant underbelly of our everyday routines and you
quickly realise how close we all are to the edge of insanity'
