Sustainability is no longer just an influence in my work — it is at the heart of new art pieces I create.
As I grow as a sustainable artist, I work both with reclaimed wood: off-cuts, rescued timber, and driftwood shaped by time and tide. Each piece carries a history long before it reaches my studio. Rather than beginning with a blank canvas, I begin with materials that already have a story.
Much of my wood comes from a local woodturner who rescues timber that has been cut down but not used. Instead of allowing beautiful wood to go to waste, I transform these off-cuts into contemporary artworks that honour the material’s natural grain, texture and character.
By working with reclaimed wood, I aim to reduce waste and celebrate the inherent beauty of materials that might otherwise be overlooked.
I aim to source as locally as possible and I’m delighted to now be collaborating to source my driftwood from the south-west coast of Scotland — wood that has been weathered by wind, salt and sea. The natural erosion, softened edges and silvery tones add depth and narrative to each piece.
Sustainability is also central to my driftwood supplier’s ethos. While collecting washed-up wood, they actively remove plastic and other litter from the beaches, contributing to cleaner coastlines and healthier marine environments. Knowing that the materials I use are gathered with environmental care and responsibility is incredibly important to me.
In recent years, I’ve consciously stepped away from traditional canvases and frames to focus more fully on sustainable art practices. This shift reflects both my environmental values and my desire to work in closer partnership with natural materials.
Wood is not just a surface to paint on — it is a collaborator. Its knots, cracks and grain patterns influence the composition, guiding the creative process in unexpected and organic ways.
Every new piece I create is an exploration of renewal — transforming what has been discarded or weathered into something meaningful and enduring.
Through reclaimed wood and responsibly sourced driftwood, my aim is to create art that not only connects with people aesthetically, but also reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability, stewardship and respect for the natural world.
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