Amongst ancient stones is a series inspired, like most of my work, by spending time in nature. I became fascinated with the shapes of the volcanic rocks that poke up out of hills and forest floors all over the UK. I like the appearance of solid permanence to them surrounded by the softness of foliage and the fleeting movement of insects. I love the multitude of colours revealed on close inspection when they appear to be only grey from a distance. I began with a textured ground on wood panels. Then I used watercolour and pastels, building up layer after layer and embracing accidents during the process.