My approach to figurative work is to find a way into a universal emotion through an individual figure. Unlike most figurative work, the anonymity of the figure is disrupted by their gaze. Art usually only allows male subjects to have a strong or intimidating gaze. In my work, despite the colours and outsider painting style, the figure stares boldly back at the viewer. The series with the birds adds an element of intimacy and symbolism. Each bird has a universal meaning and they share the picture plane with the women. In some paintings they act as a companion, in others they fly free, unencumbered and untethered.