'The offering' from the series Youth without age, life without death

These images are from the initial chapter from a long term project. Provoked to consider the fragility of life I decided to embark on a quest. The work takes inspiration from folk tales within the regions I visit that focus on the themes of life, death, adventure and journeys.

Chapter one - Youth without age and life without death is based in Romania. Since 2012 I have been exploring the land and responding to the tale freely. The images are a collision of reality and fantasy. Working with local residents and the natural environment I have playfully introduced symbolic representations and visual cues that encourage the viewer to escape.

Each time I return I have sketchbooks full of ideas that I keep in mind as I roam and adventure. Certain visuals consistently appear; the colour red, string etc. These are all nods to Romanian tradition and aim to unite these separate stills.

This is both a journey for the viewer as well as the artist’s venture for answers.