The Growing Influence of California on My Practice

My artistic exploration into solar imagery was furthered during my solo show in Los Angeles, Heliocentric. Since then, I’ve incorporated more sun motifs into my pieces, often using gold leaf to evoke a radiant, solar-like appearance.

Even when the motifs represent something else, they frequently take on a solar quality, reflecting the luminous energy that defines much of my work, especially in the pieces finished with gold and metallic leaf.

A recent series inspired by Marie Clark Taylor reflects this solar influence. Taylor, a pioneering botanist, studied photomorphogenesis—how light impacts plant growth. Her research mirrors my own focus on light as both a scientific tool and a symbol of enlightenment. The works integrate botanical collages and light rays, with gold leaf symbolising the brilliance of the sun and the metaphorical illumination Taylor’s work represents.

An earlier experiment with solar imagery was with my Hathor series, where I first explored light as both a thematic and visual element.

Several works in my recent series, including the Rachel Carson tribute, were developed in California’s La Quinta desert. The desert’s high UV index accelerated the exposure of cyanotype negatives, speeding up the development process.

A visit to the towering trees of Muir Woods, near San Francisco, was equally breathtaking and inspiring. Keep your eyes peeled, as you’ll see more natural history influences finding their way into my future collections.

California’s impact on my work is both practical and spiritual, intertwining the natural forces of the landscape with my creative vision. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of downtown LA or the warm desert breeze of the Coachella Valley, I find myself consistently inspired by California’s magic.

I’ve been especially captivated by the unique quality of light here, which continually shapes and enhances my artistic process. Having grown up in the Ribble Valley in rural northern England, where nature and light first influenced me, my connection to natural landscapes remains a constant source of inspiration. California, full of wonder, is a place where I feel equally at home.

' California is full of light, a place where the heat of the sun fills the soul with warmth. '
Isabel Allende