What do we leave behind when we travel? And what do we carry with us?
 
Mini masterpiece transcription of detail from a Gwen John Self Portrait
 
I'm delighted to be showing the first works from my new Hotel Key Collection at MAK 2026 in Brussels.
 
For years I've collected hotel room keys from journeys around the world. Now, they have become the starting point for a new series of tiny paintings, each one completed directly onto a hotel key using oil paint on a hand-primed wood surface.
 
The collection title Painting in a New Key is a playful nod to Susanne Langer's wonderful book Philosophy in a New Key. Langer believed that visual art outstrips language it's ability to express feelings. 
 
Each painting is connected to a particular place, journey, artist, or story. Some are inspired by the writings and reflections of women painters. Others from motifs associated with where I was at the time.  
 
I love the fact that hotel keys are such temporary objects. They grant access for a few days and then lose their purpose. By turning them into paintings, they become small keepsakes and reminders of places visited, ideas encountered, extending moments that might otherwise slip away.
 
Each piece is an original work.
Artwork Details
Original oil painting
Oil on gesso-primed hotel room key
Approx. 8 × 5 cm
Signed on reverse
One-of-a-kind original artwork
 
Can be collected from MAK Brussels or Packed & Posted (worldwide). Select your preference at checkout.