Workers 3 soft pastel, 100x50cm, 2004 I am captivated by the activity of the shipping and fishing port of Ras Al Khaimah. I use soft pastel to capture the relaxing nature of the passing and the stationary. Arab dhows as they pass through and into the port, a fishing boat at rest. The choice of pastel is important. The medium helps me sketch detail of the everyday livelihood possessions of fishermen, at the same time capturing the softness and calm of those moments. I also use pastel to emphasise the modesty of the proud gaze of the construction worker at the architectural detail of his efforts. The life of the worker is a central theme of the Impressions project.
