'I have always been fascinated by animals and their quirks. I find it incredible that we share the world with so many diverse and extraordinary creatures, and I am particularly drawn to those that inhabit more exotic environments. The landscapes and ecosystems they live in feel both intriguing and beautiful to me, although I am also deeply aware that many of these environments are becoming increasingly threatened. In my work, I see animals as characters, and I create surreal, imagined worlds for them to inhabit. When I watch documentaries or see images of these creatures, I often feel transported elsewhere, and I aim to recreate that sense of escapism in my work. Through my prints, I hope to take the viewer on a journey to slightly off-kilter places, creating a space that feels playful and safe, while also encouraging reflection on our relationship with the natural world. I am strongly inspired by the offbeat energy of outsider and naive art. Morris Hirshfield is a key influence; I am particularly drawn to his use of pattern, flat compositions, and the characterful, often playful expressions in his animals. Henri Rousseau is another important influence on my work. Like Rousseau, I have never set foot in a jungle, and his imagined worlds feel immersive, playful, and slightly surreal—qualities that I strive to capture in my own practice.'