Twee jonge kraaien op hun nest 1900 - 1930

Richard Tepe took this photograph of two young crows in their nest, and it makes me think about my role as a painter. I imagine Tepe, patiently observing these birds, waiting for the right moment to capture their image. The light, the composition, the texture of the nest – it all comes together in this small rectangle, and becomes a little world. The monochrome tones feel very tonal and tactile. It reminds me of when I'm working in my studio, the way I build up layers of paint, each stroke a response to the one before. It's a conversation, a kind of call and response between me and the painting. And just like these crows, perched precariously in their nest, I feel like I'm always trying to find my place, my footing, in the messy, unpredictable world of art. What a wonderful exchange to be a part of!