My Grandfather was from Russia and I have wonderful memories of the Orthodox cathedral I went to with my family. The dark interior was so mysterious in the candlelight and I was enchanted by the icons, richly coloured, gilded, and jewelled.

I bring these memories, together with pieces of my past, into my paintings in a very direct way. Incorporating vintage buttons from my mother’s sewing basket, my father’s old coin box, my huge collection of sea glass, shells and pebbles picked up on my travels around the world, ceramic shards from ancient gardens in England and France together with Venetian glass smalti, I encrust my painted panels with glittering gilded bands.

I embed my carefully chosen pieces, many of them irreplaceable, across the surface of my paintings and then wrap them in 22 carat gold or aluminium leaf; rubbing back the surface to reveal vibrant colours, rich textures, images and patterns. Like alchemy, the glowing micro-thin metal transforms my materials into desirable treasures: old worn coins become miniature renaissance portraits and faded seashells are transformed into tiny sculptures.

Working to commission I can incorporate your own precious pieces into my painted panels or jewellery to create something entirely new and beautiful.