‘Brewing' is a self portrait and depicts a very personal moment of my route of escape during lockdown. While being isolated I had to actively look for moments of comfort within the confines of my home and I found that, more than ever, a bubble bath and a hot cup of tea was that release. Lockdown also allowed me to really focus on my painting practice and experiment with my style and provided a kind of therapy that allowed me to express myself. Through the action of painting this experience it was the act of painting that then became the release. I had to overcome moments of discomfort, first being photographed in this very intimate position and then analysing the details of my own form, as I am never usually the subject of my own work. The most difficult idea to overcome was to then share this piece and invite people into the experience. The piece for me has become a point of personal reflection and a symbol of my experience of lockdown.

Oil on Canvas

120 x 80 cm