ABOUT ME

The small school in the Highlands that I attended did not have an art teacher so I missed out on any formal art lessons as a child.  As an adult I have made up for this with an ‘Introduction to Art and Design’ foundation course followed by a post graduate diploma in printmaking and, later, a City and Guilds certificate in Feltmaking.  Latterly I have taken opportunities to attend many workshops and courses with a range of practitioners in both feltmaking and glass as they have arisen, occasionally refreshing my printmaking skills as well.  

 

In all my work I find my attention focussing on the surface affects I can produce by adding and subtracting layers or parts of layers.  My prints frequently feature a monoprinted background with blocks printed and overprinted on top creating depth and dimension.  Felt pieces also have layers, often created by cutting back and revealing layers underneath.  The three-dimensional possibilities of felt offer yet more opportunities to explore inner and outer surfaces.  Glass offers a wide range of different forms and textures to work with from smooth clear glass to heavily textured opaque glass.  I am now able to add fused glass to my work, creating my own surfaces and textures to add to pieces.  Most recently I have been combining felt and glass in single pieces, using the contrast in materials to create interesting dynamics within a piece.

 

My inspiration for all mediums comes from the natural world around me in the Chilterns and from my Scottish heritage with both the landscape of the Highlands and Celtic artwork influencing my work.  Another strand comes from music with many images derived from musical notation.

 

Another aspect of art I enjoy is introducing new people to my passions.  I take particular pleasure in working with complete beginners and enthusing them with joy of creating something new and unique.