At school my art teacher told me I could not draw and for many years I had no confidence to even try.
I last picked up
a paintbrush 40+ years ago. It was truly daunting facing a blank piece of paper after all that time, but the lure of creating some
art, however unlikely that seemed at the time, was too strong to ignore. That was a couple of years ago now and since then I’ve
taken classes, participated in workshops, created a variety of pieces of work and shown work at some exhibitions.
After so many years with little direct artistic creativity I now cannot imagine my life without “art time” every day.
I love
the unexpected ways colour, shape and form come together to produce something exciting. I’m still exploring possibilities
and
create work diverse in subject and execution. I do feel quite an abstract style is emerging (something of a revelation)
which I am
excited to develop further. The act of putting brush on paper and creating a piece of work is meditative;
exploring the
possibilities and seeing a piece of work come to life I find uplifting.
When I started my artistic journey I was exploring how a series of random straight and curved lines converge to create a pleasing pattern, much as is seen when natural forms intersect.
I followed the initial outlines I created with sections that were decorated or filled in in some way to give a more abstract work.
In bringing my ideas to life I now produce work that not only consists of paint, ink or pastel but may well incorporate collage, mixed media and 3D pieces using brushes, palette knives and many other objects to create marks, patterns and texture.
As my practice has evolved I have found myself adding more lines and curves to create additional decorative space, the work then started to become more free-form. I found myself looking for organic forms and shapes within the brushstrokes.
When I begin a piece, I’m never sure where it will end up. Even when the inspiration is taken directly from real life, a photograph or another piece of work, I am constantly surprised by what emerges. And whilst some of my newer work remains quite figurative the abstract influence is growing.
In addition to artworks, I have been experimenting with adding my designs to decorative objects including cards, cushion covers and indoor plant pots. I have some of these ‘art gifts’ for sale.
I’m fortunate to be selling my pieces regularly, it’s a wonderful experience when someone takes your work home with them.
I belong to both Hornsea Arts Society (HAS) and East Riding Artists (ERA) and have (or plan to be) showing work at their summer exhibitions. I have taken part in Christmas Craft Fairs and will do so in the future. I have also submitted work to two gallery ‘open calls’ at the end of last year and had work accepted at both.
I plan more gallery submissions throughout 2025 and I am presenting a workshop for HAS this summer making collage papers.
I am available for workshops, demonstrations and personal tuition if requested or if you would like to visit my studio, please do contact me.