‘Screwed’ is from a series of paintings exploring independent shops and issues of urban decay, gentrification and the disappearing British high street. This DIY shop is located in Clapham, South London and somehow still hangs onto its loyal customers despite increasing competition from the internet, DIY chain stores and increasing rents. Our high streets are in a period of transition with businesses closing and neighbourhoods being gentrified with no sign of stopping. For ‘Screwed’ I wanted to capture this dystopian world through painting the dated, faded sign and the mysterious mix of goods in the shuttered windows, making you feel unsure about whether it is still open for business. My work is influenced by past masters such as Edward Hopper and Rembrandt from their use of using paint as a tool to create mood using light. With my work I am drawn to creating a certain feeling and capturing a sense of place.