Inside the studio

The five stages

1. 01

   Spark

   Minutes — days

   It all starts from a mental image, a phrase, a glimpse of light. I write it down before I understand, not to lose the temperature of the moment.

2. 02

   Sketch

   Days — weeks

   I pick up paper. I'm not looking for the right form: I'm looking for direction. Dozens of fast variants, with no attachment to any of them.

3. 03

   Build

   Weeks — months

   Here the physical work begins. Materials, layers, tests, errors. The work starts to exist — and to demand.

4. 04

   Refine

   Weeks

   I subtract more than I add. Every detail is questioned until it stands on its own.

5. 05

   Release

   A single moment

   The work stops being mine. It crosses the studio threshold and begins its life in the world.

Tools and materials

• The studio

  Natural north light, high ceiling, large central table. Silence chosen, not found.

• The materials

  Papers of varying weight, hand-ground pigments, supports I prepare myself.

• The software

  Only when the hand isn't enough. Never as a substitute for the hand.

• The archive

  Every attempt is kept. Today's discard is tomorrow's direction.