Over the past 25 years since training in Textile Design at Central School of Art, I have cultivated a successful career in art, design and printmaking. My early career ranged from ceramic designer creating designs for Marks and Spencer and as a textile and fashion industry designer and consultant putting together designs and fabrics for Marks and Spencer, I also worked as a textiles and art tutor at Gt. Yarmouth College in Norfolk where I discovered a love of inspiring and teaching art techniques to others.. I have worked as a freelance Creative Practitioner in the East Midlands for the last 20 years, developing art projects with schools and community group, as well as organising larger scale projects. Alongside my teaching I have also continued to add to my own artistic portfolio, exploring print and textiles. Previously located in Lincolnshire, I am now based in the remote Kentmere Valley in Cumbria, where I am surrounded by wildlife and dramatic fells. I share a studio in Kendal with the Green Door artists and I divide my creative time between the two locations. I am inspired by a love of pattern, texture and themes such as history, folklore, wildlife and the countryside- Cumbria certainly provides this! My passion is for people to enjoy the visual aspects of my work while learning something from my work- whether that be an old English saying, a fact about nature conservation, or parts of a meaningful poem. I sometimes spend days engrossed in old books or drawing in museums when researching an exciting new theme for my work. Walking gives me space to think, and I can often be found with my golden retriever and family, exploring the local countryside . I have a love of travel and different cultures and there is nothing quite like packing up your rucksack and sketchbook and heading off trekking in the Himalayas to inspire you! |