My oil drawings are an ongoing part of my practice, initially inspired by research into the environmental impacts of the extraction of the Athabasca Tar Sands in Alaska. The images evoke the primeval origins of this natural resource that is an essential, addictive commodity of the Anthropocene and has influenced the development of commerce, culture and consumption but also blighted, corrupted and contaminated and poses an existential threat to humanity. Contemplating the epic journey of this substance from ancient vegetation, through geological processes, extraction, refining and utilisation I explore its aesthetic possibilities as a medium. The drawings are created on paper using a variety of methods. The energy and personal expression of the drawing process is visible but the pieces are then carefully nurtured and their complexity continues to evolve over time as natural processes, again take over, and determine the final outcome.