Having studied the work of Freud and Lacan, and influenced by the paintings of the artist Francis Bacon, I have created this exhibition of work with the intention of giving visual form to repressed emotions.

The concept of the work is the layering of the subconscious as the screen behind which memories, experiences and thoughts are repressed.

The works portray happiness, joy, eros, grief, depression, guilt, regret, sorrow, confusion, fear and trauma. Each piece has an ambiguity which invites the viewer to consider and respond.

Some of the images may confront and challenge the viewer to delve within themselves - this is my intention.

One grows to appreciate the friendship and support of women friends and companions through life experiences, a good many of those after marriage, divorce, children etc.
The participants are asked to select an individual who is or has been, significantly meaningful to them which is the basis of the Threads of friendship.

Often the reasons of choice are things such as shared experiences, kindnesses exchanged or someone who may have given much needed support at a particular point in time.
Each participant is asked, during the drawing process, to crochet part of an ongoing chain of wool which is wool from the local area and representative of the wool industry upon which the local rural community was founded.
This wool is a metaphor for the chain, or thread of friendship which runs throughout the work and physically links the finished works.

The project is about giving recognition of Friendship to individuals whose friendship and kindness have had an impact upon the life of another.