The Cloth She Left Me began with a vintage pink floral tablecloth my mother left to me. I’d always loved it, not only for its beauty but for the memories it carried. I held onto it for years, waiting for the right painting to give it a new life. This felt like that moment.
As the painting evolved, it became a collection of people and objects that have shaped my life. The chair belonged to my retired neighbours, who have always held a special place in my heart, and the model is a dear friend from Canada who generously volunteered to sit for me. Each element has its own history, and together they create a portrait of connection, nostalgia and beauty.
I’m fascinated by how everyday objects can become powerful symbols when they’re brought together. In this work, the tablecloth is no longer just fabric, and the chair is more than furniture. They become vessels of memory, carrying the presence of the people connected to them.
My work is heavily influenced by the masters of Surrealism, whose ability to weave emotion, memory and symbolism into ordinary scenes has always inspired me. My background in graphic design also plays an important role in how I compose a painting. I enjoy creating balanced, symmetrical compositions that are bold and graphic, while still using realistic colour and form. Every object is carefully positioned so that, together, they tell a story that extends beyond the individual subjects.
For me, The Cloth She Left Me is about the quiet beauty of the things we inherit—not just the objects themselves, but the relationships, memories and emotions they continue to hold. It is a celebration of the people who leave their mark on us and the unexpected ways their presence continues to live on.