Inspirations

I have a fascination for triptychs. Something about the mystery, anticipation and surprise of opening.
The first I came across, was 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Hieronymus Bosch, with its beautiful muted image of the newly created world on the front, opening to the mad riot of populace and colour inside. Then there was 'The Ghent Altarpiece' by Jan van Eyck, Christian folding panels, Russian orthodox triptychs. Of course these were meant to inspire awe and fear and devotion in the hearts of a religious congregation, where many were illiterate and pictures more powerful than words. But they were huge and out of reach.
Then I discovered that Latin American peoples had been making and carrying their own little portable, folding panels in the form of retablos. This was more like it! The holding of the special object, the intimacy and no doubt, the comfort.

... and themes

As for me, I have no religion. I have only ideas, opinions and stories which matter to me.
The themes for my panels are mostly rooted in nature, often including the birds, foliage and landscapes I see on my boat travels. Sometimes a traditional fairy-tale or ancient custom will be the starting point. Another time it will just be a home-made story I have running in my head. Man's relationship with the natural world seems to be a common thread! I like to leave the viewer to make up their own story from the clues I leave.

Making

It takes me several days to make a panel, depending on its size and complexity.
I don't use power tools. I cut the wood, using a small coping saw which allows me control and thinking time!
The wood is all FSC certified (from sustainably-managed forests).
Once shaped, I sand, fill the edges and sand again to make the panels feel 'soft' and rounded to touch.
I give the wood two or three coats of gesso primer which makes the wood easier to paint.
At this point, I hinge the panel or panels and test that everything opens and closes properly, that it stands up if it's supposed to, that it looks right.
Then I get busy painting, door by door. On a folding panel with two flaps, that's five different paintings.
I usually paint the edges and back in the same flat colour to tie it all together and these need at least two coats.
On the back, I write the title of the piece in pencil and sign it.
Finally, I coat each panel with a clear matt varnish, twice over.