Growing up in the city was fun!
Industrial landscapes can be a great source of inspiration. There are so many trades and skills to learn about.....also plenty of museums, galleries and places to visit, where you can discover more.

Born in Birmingham and educated there until my early 20's, I worked in a wide variety of roles, eventually doing what I had hoped to do; pursuing art, along with many aspects of design. This led to a long and varied teaching career in a range of schools and colleges, teaching students of all ages and abilities. I now teach on a freelance basis at my studio in East Hanney. I find the situation ideal, because I'm able to teach face to face and online, as well as producing my own creative pieces alongside.
Life in an Oxfordshire village is a contrast to the city, but it also provides a rich source of inspiration. The wider art community of Oxfordshire has a vibrant art life and it is exciting to be part of this, joining educational/creative classes, plus exhibiting pieces of artwork in local galleries and libraries.

Whilst continuing to explore new aspects of art and design, it is rewarding to develop personal creative work - ceramic sculpture, painting (acrylics and watercolours), drawing and photography. These are all processes I find thoroughly absorbing. Quite often I take a photo to use as an inspirational starting point for a personal theme, or for a commission. Animals and birds are certainly high on my list of favourites. They can be developed into small, intricate sculptural pieces, or alternatively a large-scale bold painting. Ceramic animals have a certain 'presence' and they are relatable to many.
I really enjoy experimenting with materials and testing their qualities to find original and alternative applications for expressing ideas. This is reflected in my recent porcelain series 'Fragile Worlds' where the materials are often used to evoke a mood. I am pursuing this theme and beginning to incorporate thrown forms. The work is small and monochrome. In the studio there is usually a wide range of work on display, or in progress. This will be open to visitors during Artweeks.