"This painting is an interesting turning point in my approach to human vulnerability. In the late spring of 2024, after seven months of designing and experimenting, I felt certain that I should use the human face alone, as a means of exploring mortality and memory. After building a collection of designs, I went from my studio in England to my model, Andrea Harper in Austin Texas, to build this new concept.

This palette provides a distinct sense of air, smells and atmosphere to my paintings, which I subsequently use as a foundation for other translucent layers of paint.

My techniques require me to adopt a childlike innocence while I paint, not resorting to gimmicks or clever techniques, but using my own eyes intensely to transfer information from the face of my American muse to a Belgian linen canvas in England. One layer of work may be impressive, but once several layers have been successfully applied, the final effect appears to be impossible. Is it not this way with human beings? Mortal and vulnerable, and yet they are capable of what seems to be impossible." Edward Povey