Statement
Most of my ‘career’ life has been spent teaching after following a degree course whilst bringing up a young family. I have to say, it was a wonderful experience to work with young children in their art lessons watching them unhesitatingly expressing their creativity. Sometimes it was very difficult to hold back the urge to join in and add to their spirited efforts…but, of course, I did!
I have always drawn and painted and decided, four years ago, that I wanted to follow a professional course. I completed a Foundation course in Art & Design to which I am now adding a part-time Foundation degree in Contemporary Fine Art. Both courses have given me extraordinarily fulfilling opportunities to develop my artistic confidence and experience in pushing personal boundaries.
Travelling to exciting destinations to see the wildlife and amazing landscapes are my especial joy. The volcanic islands of Galapagos and its unique creatures have been one of my recent destinations. My work is bold and gestural with a dramatic use of colour and line. I also make monoprints to accompany my paintings. Currently, my theme is the exploration of local archaeological sites in the West Country.
I find the religious, mystical and historical complexities of these sites deeply affecting as well as very beautiful. As such I want to show my inner responses to these sacred places.
I work on site, drawing and making colour sketches and notes as well as taking photographs from varied angles and sometimes use black and white for tonal qualities.
Concentrating on what I see and feel in these landscapes, I try to express the emotionality of the place sublimating the self and responding instinctively and freely.
At present, my painting is concentrating on Dorset sites in particular - but please watch this website for further developments in expressive painting!