Twelve paintings from my Fleurs du Mal set are currently on show in the SSA Open 2016. The work originated from the experience of having a studio overlooking a London flower market. After a hectic morning of colour and noise, the traders abandoned their unsold flowers in long flat delivery boxes and this rather poignant scene suggested the images I went on to make.

Although my concerns were mostly technical and formal, wishing to integrate print with painting and representing flowers as strong and robust forms I was aware that the symbolism of flower imagery could not be overlooked and the decision to connect them with Baudelaire’s poem cycle seemed apt.

I am delighted that the piece has won the Glasgow Art Club Award at the 116th SSA Open at the RSA Building on Princes Street, Edinburgh, continues until Nov 24th 2016