Artist statement
Now retired after a long art teaching career, I spend my time in my purpose built garden studio. My ceramic pieces are inspired by the natural world and culture of my immediate surroundings and beyond, I create hand built ceramic pieces combining thrown, coiled and slab elements along with coloured slip and underglaze colour.
Extended Bio
My inspiration has always come from my immediate surroundings, my love of texture, colour and pattern, and, like all artists, the influence of others.
I studied at Grays School of Art in the 1970s graduating with a Diploma in Art (Ceramics and Sculpture) in 1975. A postgraduate study year and travelling scholarship followed. I was awarded a Batchelor of Arts Degree in 1980. I am now retired after a long art teaching career.
As an art student, I had considered specialising in either Graphic Design, or Printmaking. However, having discovered clay in my second year has led to a life long passion for the medium.
My ceramic pieces have evolved over the years, becoming increasingly more expressive and sculptural. By combining image and form I reflect my early interest in graphics and printmaking
My most recent work is inspired by the landscape and culture of the north and east of Scotland.
My pieces usually start as quick sketches and detailed drawings, if I want to develop the idea further. Sometimes these ideas become paintings.
However, as I begin working with the clay. some of my initial ideas get left behind as the clay forms take on a life of their own.