Lockdown 2020. Ink on Khadi paper. 33x33x2.5cm. Mounted in a black stained wooden frame (image shows a similar artwork and for reference only).

As a mark maker Rod lies within a tradition of drawing and recording his experience of the world, his travels, relationships and sense of self.

Rod’s process and methods developed as rules that slowly became a habit or creative ritual. It was as much about defining himself.

The choice of materials has evolved through this journey. His desire to maintain a strong integrity within his work directed him to learn the recipes for gesso where he found the physical, tactile, step-by-step method reassuring.The pigments became purer: Indian or Chinese ink (that he often grinds himself), graphite, charcoal dust, mixed with a binder of either water, oil, egg or rice paste starch. He says; “I wanted as much control of the provenance of the materials as I could get.”