Biography & Artist's Statement

After graduation I rented a studio in the vibrant Wapping artists community in London’s Docklands and worked at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) in the Mall. In the 1980’s and early 90’s I travelled in Italy, Greece, India, Spain, Morocco and Turkey, where written and visual diaries provided inspiration for figurative paintings. These journeys imprinted the experience of a stark landscape, tough environment and life close to the edge, that has indirectly informed all my work. 

  

I paint to evoke memories of place - the colours, shapes, light, weather, time of day but also the less tangible - smells, sounds, thoughts or incidents that occur. 

 

I often work in series, in the sense that one piece leads to another. They may comprise a single theme or one that changes and develops - evolving from the original source of inspiration.

Memory influences the choice of colour, shapes and textures. I use materials and surfaces that feel applicable to each series. Thee constitute an integral part of the work and are not a random choice.

 

I live in Gloucestershire and taught at Stroud College of Art & Design for over 25 . I run private art classes at Pegasus Art, (Griffin Mill, Stroud) curate exhibitions and offer mentoring.