I made the first iteration of this artwork in 2013, for a show I had at Te Manawa [Musuem for Art and Science]. It was in black and white. I had a framed copy up in the studio this year, and photographed that, leaving the reflection of the studio windows in it, changing the shadows to deep red. I like the extra layers. It feels appropriate to add more depth to the image, corresponding to the years that have passed between then and now. The red in this image represents desire, hot and excellent. The blue is the colour of my partner’s eyes.

This whole artwork’s about desire. I’ve worked hard for my desire. For it to be mine and not someone elses.

It’s about the excitement and delight I find in truly being able to let go in the privacy of a dark and quiet room. To be able to open up in a both a physical and emotional sense, it’s such a beautiful thing. This time, darkness is my friend.