A spark – an idea. It begins with that spark of inspiration. That idea in a creative moment that builds. Inside, it scrabbles around and clamors for my attention and a momentum begins building. Usually, a photograph or a quick sketch to capture it so it doesn’t float away. I shouldn’t worry that will happen because the clamor gets louder.

In those moments oddly my fingers slightly tingle, anticipating what I need to do, what is to come. It will be all or nothing. Sometimes, it starts pouring forth but for some reason I can lose it and a process called ‘chasing the painting’ happens. The painting controls me. When this happens, I need to put it away for a while to return to it later.

It is why you read how long (or short) the painting took an artist to complete, sometimes years. I used to not understand but now I do. Creating in any way, can be a joy. It is a reflection of what I see in the world that surrounds me: my family, my life.