Message-to-self

Message-to-self: "I will, I hope, I can, I love, I am" is inspired by natural beauty and its emotional impact on the viewer.

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The idea for this project was born from a mountain hike last summer.  We were far away from the crowds, in an area of grey/white gravel and scrub.  I placed my foot down and disturbed a flurry of butterflies.  They seemed to appear from nowhere and out of nothing. 

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I know that my experience, although intensely personal to me, is not unusual.  Its just one example of a person noticing and responding to something beautiful and surprising.  Often the beauty is in something simple. It's accompanied by a terrific sense of right-place-right-time.  And an assurance that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.​

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In this piece 5 pigeons carry the Message-to-self, as words written on their bellies. Viewers are encouraged to handle the piece, discovering the message. My hope it that it raises a smile by reminding the handler of the times they have been surprised by something beautiful.

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Message-to-self will be exhibited at The Morley Gallery, 61 Westminster Bridge Rd London SE1 7HT 19th to 28th November 2026