I confess to being confused as to what I should be doing: having made a number of paintings after reading about Lot's wife - this one is called I lay down my burden- I don't know whether I can continue to explore this strand at the same time as my other work arising from looking at the edge of woodland. The reaction to my first exhibition here in France has been very good and people appear to be moved by both sets of stories.

My enforced period of sitting down due to sciatica has at least given me the opportunity to read a lot and I've always found that to be a help in moving things forward. I'm still re-reading back issues of Modern Painters , enjoying them too and whilst on the subject of reading am recommending Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve. Max,my son, and I are on our fifth run through and it is still gripping.