Inspired by Disney castles and spiritual faith, it explores the artist’s inner belief system—where creativity is a kind of religion. Doubt, beauty, and blind faith all meet in this magical invitation to enter another world.
Extra Magic Time Duo
This duo of dreamlike artworks is inspired by the my love of Peruvian folk-style pottery churches — charming, curvy, and joyfully imperfect. First discovered in a museum in St Andrews, these small ceramic churches sparked a connection that would become central to this series.
In both Extra Magic Time 1 and 2, the church acts as a visual anchor, a concept borrowed from Walt Disney. When designing Disneyland, Disney believed every land needed a focal point to draw people in — something he called a “big weenie.” Think of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Fantasyland or Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. Here, the pottery churches serve the same purpose, pulling the viewer into the scene and anchoring the imagination.
There’s also a spiritual element behind the series. For me, making art has always felt like a form of religion. It requires belief, ritual, and persistence — even when things feel uncertain. As a child, the idea that living kindly and peacefully would lead to heaven left a lasting impression. That same devotion is echoed in my creative life — in staying committed to something and feeling fulfilled in return.
Extra Magic Time is a playful celebration of fantasy and dedication. It reflects inner worlds shaped by wonder, belief, and the rewards of a faithful creative practice.
Extra Magic Time 1
Extra Magic Time 1
At the centre of Extra Magic Time 1 stands a tall, elongated church inspired by the charming folk-style pottery churches of Peru — a recurring motif in this series. It’s surrounded by painted versions of real rocks collected from my granny Vera’s garden, grounding the work in personal memory and nostalgia.
Close to the church door leans a tired, hunched clown, resting on a barrel with one elbow propped. He looks worn out and out of place, like someone who’s lost the joke. I’ve felt like him often throughout my creative journey — silly, tired, and uninspired. These are the moments when faith in the process matters most.
The scene is teeming with life. Playful characters, flowering plants, and surreal details fill the space, all orbiting the central church. One of my favourites is the large carousel horse leaping high over the roof — a joyful, dreamlike presence lifted straight from my childhood visits to the Kirkcaldy Links Market. These hobby horses appear often in my subconscious and dreams, likely because they were my first encounter with true maximalist ornamentation.
This artwork is deeply personal, blending fantasy with fragments of real life. It’s about devotion, nostalgia, and holding onto wonder even when the magic feels far away. If you hadn’t guessed already — I’m a maximalist at heart.
Extra Magic Time 2
Extra Magic Time 2
Extra Magic Time 2 builds on the themes of the first piece, offering a more hopeful and uplifting atmosphere. At its centre is a wide, curvy folk-style church, again inspired by the Peruvian pottery churches that first captured my imagination in a museum in St Andrews. This time, the church feels more open and inviting. It’s a stronger beacon of devotion, joy, and personal mythology.
Though not immediately visible, hidden among the blooms near the top of the church is a small crucifixion scene, with Jesus on the cross and angels surrounding him. He’s partially concealed by a cascade of tulips, emphasising the sense of spiritual symbolism quietly woven through the scene rather than loudly declared.
In the background, the sky glows as though the sun is either rising or setting, providing a moment of transition and potential. Once again, stones and rocks from my granny Vera’s garden sit at the front of the composition, grounding the fantasy in real, tangible memory. Other characters linger around the church, appearing to bask in the scene’s peaceful ambience, as though they too are finding stillness or hope in its presence.
To me, this piece feels like a positive evolution from Extra Magic Time 1 — a more radiant and emotionally open version. It holds the same sense of ritual and reverence but leans more into growth, warmth, and renewal.
