Hello
Let me tell you a little more about myself; I arrived at my new home on Exmoor during lockdown and feel so lucky to have found this haven in which to settle. Having previously worked in mental health as an art psychotherapist, I have chosen to use this next chapter to devote my time to my personal creative work in my new studio looking out over the beautiful hills of Exmoor.
I have always been inspired by a sense of place so feel excited to have this chance to respond to my new surroundings. I am drawn to the sculptural elements of landscape; relishing sweeping hillsides and silhouetted trees, the winding lanes of Exmoor edged with their sculpted beech hedges as well as huge skies where the land meets the sea. It's a magical, ancient place brimming with atmosphere.
Using paint, collage, pastel, found objects and printmaking techniques, I let the image evolve. As I explore and play, I enjoy the unexpected results of techniques mixed and layered together. Using this organic process, my pictures begin to evoke memories, feelings, and fleeting moments in time.
Watch out for my shop opening soon, where you can buy paintings, prints, illustrations and cards or talk to me about commissions for a unique and personal artwork. My contact details are at the end of this page.
My Story so far
I studied History of Art at the University of Warwick, then later went on to study Fine Art at Bristol School of Art while my children were small. I also worked as a primary school teacher for several years as well as doing some freelance illustration work. Later, having completed my MA in Art Psychotherapy, I had the privilege of working with adults, children, and adolescents in the NHS and then with a charity in a school setting.
In the early days I exhibited in Gloucestershire and Bristol galleries, art centres, open studios and group shows including the RWA. During this period, I often ran workshops alongside my exhibitions and taught a collagraph printmaking summer school at Bristol School of Art.
In later years my own work took second place while I concentrated on therapeutic clinical work. Since 2021 however, I have had the time to develop my personal work once again.
Recent Exhibitions and projects
April – June 2021 – ‘In Pursuit of Spring’, Somerset Art Works, Black Swan Arts, Frome
June – July 2021 – ‘Materiality’, ‘Somerset Reacquainted’ touring collaborative book project, Somerset Art Works, ACEarts, Somerton
May – August 2021 – ‘Same Sea, Different Boat’, collaborative collagraph print and quilt project, Harley Gallery, Worksop
September 2021 – Open Studios, Cutcombe
September – October 2021 – ‘Community’ ‘Somerset Reacquainted’ touring collaborative book project, Somerset Art Works, Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton
October 2021 – February 2022 – ‘Solace’, ‘Somerset Reacquainted’ group show, Somerset Art Works, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
January – March 2022 - ‘Same Sea, Different Boat’, collaborative collagraph print and quilt exhibition
February 2022 - awarded the Pair-Up bursary from Somerset Art Works
April 2022 - awarded a Micro - commission from Somerset Art Works for My Space, My Sanctuary project
May 2022 - 'Blue' group exhibition, Albatross Print Studio, East Quay, Watchet
June 2022 - 'The New Normal, group exhibition at Bridgwater Arts Centre
June 2022 - 'Connect Four' group exhibition, Dulverton Guild Hall Gallery
September 2022 - Somerset Art Works Festival micro- commission - 'My Space, My Sanctuary' joint exhibition with Joann Briar, ACEarts, Somerton
October 2022 - 'My Space, My Sanctuary' joint exhibition with Joann Briar, East Quay, Watchet
November 2022 - South West Art and Design Show, Tithe Barn, Dunster
May 2023 - 'Connect: Create: Collaborate' - joint exhibition with Joanna Briar, Bridgwater Arts Centre
Contact
I would love to hear from you, just email me or click on Instagram to DM me. You can look me up on the Somerset Art Works website too.