Both pieces of art were completely inspired by NOMA’s neighbourhood. One is a fully immersive VR world, created with a fantastical utopian aesthetic which I felt mirrored the feeling in the community. I wanted to make people feel the urban passion and infusion of nature that really stands out in NOMA.

The other piece is a vivid floral landscape of 4 Angel Square, where I incorporated a spray of flowers that you’ll find in NOMA, like Geum, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Teasles, Sunflowers – the list goes on and on. I found myself so inspired by my surroundings, even finding space for a gardener in the canvas after I saw so many gardeners enriching the greenery in the neighbourhood.

I didn’t want to create a painting that was a carbon copy of 4 Angel Square. Instead, I honestly set out to capture the essence of the space. That intertwining of the metropolitan architecture with the natural world is what stood out to me about NOMA, so I thought what better way to show that than to, well, paint it?

I’ve watched the site develop over the years with my own eyes. I remember when it used to look like a wasteland, so to see how it’s transformed is so beautiful. I can really see the vision for the space.

My work now being part of that transformation is incredibly exciting. As an artist, I feel like I have something that I want to contribute to society, and this commission aligns me and my work with a place that is committed to making an active difference, putting people at the forefront, and bringing nature back. Being associated with that feels great.

I’ve heard about the goldfinches and elephant hawk moths coming back to the city and been so intrigued by the art installations I see while walking through NOMA, all while the original Co-op buildings anchor that original Manchester feel. There seem to be big opportunities on the horizon for Manchester, and my work is now part of that rich tapestry.