My paintings are very much inspired by my degree in performance costume
Biog
A lifetime fascination with storytelling, childhood, history, fairytales and folklore, has led me to create imagery based on the everyday whirling mind of a person who does not always wish to be rooted in the realistic present.
Themes of times gone by and reminiscence are especially evident in my designs and my work often delves into the expression and characterisation of our human nature, which we may hide away and only ever glimpse at when prompted by a reflection of our inner selves.
My textile character sculptures in particular are a nod towards my own imaginations, avid reading and childhood dreams. Each tells an original tale, with a single image that endeavors to embody a whole life story in an uncomplicated way. I have also explored ‘dwelling places’, a place where we can truly be content and again the setting that truly represents our character and history. Each material used is carefully chosen to create layers of texture incorporating textiles, paper, paint, hand painted imagery and meticulously detailed hand embroidery. The combinations of varying media help me to create many layers and textures, which are evocative of the memories and history that is integral to my work.
In my most recent development of whimsical characters I have been sculpting with air drying clay and created jointed figures – this is an exciting new medium for me and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
A selection of brooches compliments my main sculptural work and themes of wildflowers, sailing ships, windmills and birdcages continue the stories told by my character sculptures – these are ‘Fragments’ – fragments of stories or memories and treasures to wear.
Graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in Performance Costume in 2005, I have since been working on my own creations as well as teaching workshops with community groups. More recently, I have been coordinating a project involving reminiscence work with older people. This has been a huge source of inspiration to my latest artwork and themes of memories, dreams and childhood.
60 second interview
Q: What is your favourite colour?A: BlueQ: Who first inspired you to start making/ creating and what words of advice did they give you?A: My parents were always encouraging me in my creativity as a child and I had pretty cool art teachers too. I can't remember any specific advice they gave me I have always been encouraged to follow my own path.Q: Where and when do you most like to work?A: My studio is the whole top floor of our house and although it is a large room, it is crammed with bookcases and materials, easels and tables. I love that I can climb the two flights of stairs and shut myself off from the distractions in the rest of the house, play music or work in silence. I usually head up to the studio around 11 after checking emails and catching up with computer stuff and work there till my husband comes home in the evening - it is where I am most happy and content.Q: Which season of the year most inspires you?A: AutumnQ: What can't you work without?A: I love to be surrounded by imagery for inspiration and lots of materials as I can be working on something different on any given day. I almost always have a mug of earl grey tea by my side.Q: Whose work do you most admire?A: I love the characters created by Samantha Bryan and I am really drawn to the incredibly detailed paintings of Lyndsey Carr. If I could gift myself with anything it would be a piece from the collection of American ceramicist Diana Fayt. I just adore the intricate engravings and rich colours she uses in her work.Q: What is your favourite piece of fiction and why?A: I particularly love the novels of Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter, both wonderful imaginative storytellers. I just love to curl up on the sofa and get lost in their dream-like worlds. I have read The Handmaid's Tale numerous times and love Angela Carters re-telling of old fairytales from around the world.Q: What do you do to relax?A: I am a novice gardener but I find it relaxing and hugely rewarding. I also read alot and love to cuddle up to my two house-bunnies, Jeeves and Wooster (when they let me!)Q: Describe your artistic style in 3 words. A: whimsical, melancholic, curious
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