The allure of the horse and the horse-human relationship are a constant source of inspiration for me. Humankind domesticated horses for use — as sustenance, beasts of burden, instruments of war and status symbols — and yet, it is the archetypal image of a horse galloping free that captivates our imagination most profoundly. Our long history with horses is, as I view it, a point of reference when considering the broader relation between human beings and the natural world, with its complexity and contradictions. Horses themselves are creatures of paradox; their qualities encompassing strength and sensitivity tie in with my fascination with the concept of complementary opposites.

I perceive art as a tool for documenting as well as expressing. Curiosity and an interest in realism motivated me to delve into the worlds of equine anatomy, biomechanics, and ethology, for I not only admire the raw beauty of horses, but wish to understand their true nature and the gulf that still exists between us and them. Whether I am observing feral Pottoka ponies in northern Extremadura in Spain, or taking a preserved hoof in my hands to examine it more closely, firsthand experience is immensely valuable. Learning is a lifelong process, an attitude which I maintain in my artistic development as well.