Artworks

This is an acrylic piece on canvas. It represents the energy and essence of a moment in time that is often referred to by athletes and their coaches as “the zone”. To me as an athlete, the only way I can describe this moment is similar to having an out-of-body experience, where there is no time and everything has stopped. The landscape of a frozen lake blurs into one image, and there is no difference or separation between the lake of ice, the horizon or the winter sky. To me, this represents when an athlete is totally focused on producing their ultimate performance, with no understanding or concept of reality. The colours on the left represent the athlete who stands on the edge, about to step into the unknown. The journey sometimes feels lonely and isolated, but there is sheer determination to succeed and reach their full potential regardless of the result.

This abstract piece portrays the iconic winter cityscape of the host city of Beijing. The piece celebrates the calling of all the world’s youth to join together to participate in the Winter Games Beijing 2022 under the banner of the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The idea for the piece ironically came from my memories of the Closing Ceremonies of two Olympic Games that I competed in. Towards the end of the Closing Ceremony, I distinctly remember the IOC President saying: ‘’I call upon the Youth to assemble in four years….’’ In the piece I have depicted the buildings in their raw state. The viewer can see the steel work, which is totally exposed underneath the buildings before the layers of concrete and cladding are added. Even though the buildings are vulnerable, exposed and open to the winter elements, they stand tall and strong and braced for whatever is thrown at them.

This a tryptic piece using acrylic paint on canvas. The city of hopes, desires, ambitions and dreams magically appears like a mirage over the frozen landscape. This represents the athletes/Olympians’ dedication to pursue a lifelong ambition and dream to become the best in their chosen sport, whilst also being dedicated to the core values of the Olympic Movement and the desire for excellence, forming friendships and respecting themselves and others along their Olympic journey. The final canvas shows the burning sun, which brings warmth, compassion and a sense of belonging and acknowledgement of the Olympians’ dedication and pursuit of excellence. It represents the whole team and community that have supported the Olympian throughout their journey.