Sacred Drift

2017

240 x 120 cm

Woodcut print on cotton with stretcher

This print was hand carved and printed in Oaxaca city, Mexico in 2017. It is part of a series of prints I did whilst on residency at Convivio, an arts and events spaces in the centre of town.

Over 7 weeks I explored Oaxaca state as well as the city. What is fascinating about this area is the varied geography and therefore wide range of climates within easy reach. This is a self portrait of the time i spent there, exploring my spirituality through interacting with the rich and vibrant culture and welcoming communities of this beautiful part of Mexico.

Everything here feels heightened, positive as well as negative energies rise quickly her. It is a very powerful place, and often feels like i am viewing the world through saturated colours, accentuated light and dark - contrast. Nothing is subtle or pallid here.

This piece took a month to carve and by the end of it I had lost the feeling in my fingers on my right hand. Carving is such a beautiful process, a real meditation as well as a direct dialogue with the wood. You have a plan, a composition in your mind, and then the wood has another idea. The knots and grain dictate and force you to reconsider and shift your perspective.