In August 2023, a friend asked me if I was ever going to make a shark. (He and his wife had just returned from a trip to the Maldives, and both are obsessed with sharks).

It set off a train of enquiry for me which has enriched my understanding of the world and the oceans, and this incredible species. The more I found out about sharks, the more interested I became, and so I thought I would try to capture their essence – and I figured where better to start than with the king of the species – The Great White.

In the process, I hatched a collaboration with the Sea Life Trust, as well as relationships with other marine conservation and research bodies, and I was delighted to dedicate my Chelsea Flower Show stand in 2025 to raising awareness about marine conservation.

I get great pleasure when an artwork can prompt – or be part of a conversation to raise awareness of issues that are important to me.