Large Red Painting titled: The Birth.

I worked on this large red painting for 12 weeks. I started building up the texture of the canvas in earlier August 2003. Erika (my wife) gave birth to our first child September 1st 2003 to Isabelle Chantal Mills.

Erika was in labor for 38.5 hours. For just over 20 hours she could not eat nor drink without throwing up. It was a very overwhelming experience. The doctors decided to perform a C-section.

Erika was incredible. To see the strength and courage in her eyes and heart was incredible. While the doctors prepared her for the operation I waited in the room next door. For 18 minutes I sat alone in a chair. Intensely dark vulnerable thoughts and emotions showered, flooded my mind. It was the first time where I felt I could lose Erika.

The doctors were incredible. Outside of being perfectly professional... they were remarkable kind with a special human touch. I was so overwhelmed by how great they were I felt compelled to donated 13 paintings to the Labor Ward at the Newham General Hospital. (Click here to see the painting donated).

The Birth painting took very long to achieve the results I wished. There are two attempts underneath that have been painted over.

Isabelle Chantal Mills enter the world on September 1st 2003. Never have I felt such happiness. She is a dream. Erika is the best wife and mother. To be married to her is everything.

Thank you