I am deeply influenced by phenomenological, sensational events: the Aurora Borealis, intense twilight and dangerously cold temperatures within the Arctic forests of Lapland during midwinter. During these solitary moments, amongst Wilderness, I experience a heightened awareness, of existence. I attempt to bring together, within my painting, two separate experiences: one is in nature, and one is in paint. The relation between the two is not of ‘duplication’ but what I refer to as ‘equivalence’. These experiences are bound with a sense of openness of being that is experienced in these encounters with Wilderness, to create a Wilderness in paint.