A lot of my recent abstract paintings are on plywood. There’s something architectural about them, it feels as though I can expand outwards from the surface. I feel as though that surface can layer with others. The ply gives me a really solid and resistant base whereas canvas gives and feels more fragile.

This has become something of a trend for me. Traditionally I’ve always used canvas – high-grade artists canvas on bespoke frames. But not as of the last few years.

Modern acrylic paints have a range of abilities and very satisfyingly they suit ply, and ply works well with my hard-edged geometric lines. The paint goes on super smoothly and the edges are much cleaner. I’ve been working with the ripples in the wood to help determine which areas of the surface I want to ‘save’ and which I want to obscure. This sometimes dictates the composition which gives me restrictions I have to work within – external controls if you like – of which I help to make and guide the decision.

Here are a few medium-sized pieces from 2015. There is some structure, there are divisions, there are omissions to the surface.