Books, illustration and laser cutting
I am a London based artist who creates illustrative, relief pieces built up from layers of laser cut, stained plywood. These range in size and shape from very small items of jewellery to much larger, bespoke artworks.
I grew up in South London as the youngest of seven children. My childhood was spent surrounded by books – relics from my parents' past as Czech publishers and book smugglers. Amidst the chaos of a large family, my drawing habit grew unchecked until it developed into a full blown addiction. Knowing that I wanted to become an artist, I went on to study Art Foundation at Central St Martins and BA Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts.
After University I started work at a model making workshop where I learnt about materials, model-making and, most importantly, laser cutting. Having spent over twenty-years doodling I found myself with a repetitive strain injury in my hand and for the first time in my life, unable to draw. Determined to continue making art I used the skills I had learnt through laser cutting to translate my work into a new medium.
Since then I have taught myself how to draw again in a different, looser style but my work is now predominantly made using a laser cutter. Each piece is cut and hand assembled by me personally to create a unique, organic object that bridges the gap between craft, illustration and sculpture.
