I have always been drawn to hands: as a boy, I was mesmerised by Albrecht Dürer’s pen-and-ink Praying Hands; at art school, I learned to appreciate Caravaggio’s expressive painting of hands; and admired how Michelangelo depicted David as manu fortis - strong of hand - in stone. There is a kinship between these artistic portrayals and the intrinsic genius of the hands that created them. 

Increasingly through working with QEST, (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust).  I have come to appreciate the anatomy and dexterity of skilled hands; the tacit knowledge they hold is palpable as they weave, carve and weld. In these gestures, and countless others, I find the essence of craft.

Each craft has its own tools and materials, movements and rhythms and it has been fascinating to witness everyone go through their motions of making.

Whilst there is power in a single image, I am most interested in the depth and resonance of a series.