"With each work more is understood and explored about myself - my fears, my weaknesses, my strengths. When a subject has been chosen I absorb myself as much as possible, to the extent that my thoughts and dreams become preoccupied. The painted image flashes through my mind repeatedly in its completed form. I have already painted it in my dreams and in my mind's eye, solving a multitude of visual problems. The obsession and preoccupation with the image becomes so strong that I am only freed from it by completing the actual work. When it is in its final form I can breathe again, feeling that I have revealed my subject, or an aspect of it, in a most honest approach. I am also aware that I have exposed a little more of myself.

"I first approached Jacqueline after having seen her in a recent television interview which struck a chord very close to my heart. I remembered her great loss and the empathy felt then, and which I still feel, being also the mother of two children.

"I have painted Jacqueline as I saw her - a paradox of emotions - a strong, determined, feminine woman yet inwardly distraught - innocent, vulnerable and forever hopeful.

"I aimed to create subtle distortions in the image to induce a somewhat uncomfortable feeling. Her surroundings, which at first appear normal, soon become clearly distorted. The door, opened slightly inviting you to peer in, reveals an empty room - cool and absent of any sound, belonging or life."