What initially got you into art?
I’ve always been interested. I can remember going to art galleries as a child and being fascinated by the stories paintings could tell.
Have you studied art (school, college, evening course, uni, self taught)?
As with many people, I was given no encouragement at school. I came away convinced I was hopeless and dismissed any thoughts of taking things forward. It wasn’t until many years later that a friend started City & Guilds and produced some wonderful textile work that I thought this might be for me, so I eventually took the plunge. I’m finishing my City & Guilds Diploma this year after eight years that have changed my life.
How would you describe your artwork?
I work with textiles and mixed media, incorporating fabric, thread, beads, paper, and metal.
Who is your favourite artist/artists?
Da Vinci, Kandinski and Monet are the first to spring to mind.
What artists have influenced your work?
Valerie Campbell-Harding, Alyson Midgelow-Marsden, Sarah Lawrence and Lynda Monk, among others.
Have you exhibited your artwork/ Where can people view your artwork?
I’ve exhibited with the Essex Handicrafts Association at Hylands House and end of year college exhibitions at Chelmsford and Northbrooks College, Harlow. I’m lucky enough to have my own Gallery in Craft Arena at Barleylands, so my work is on show there unless I have an exhibition by another artist.
What venue was your artwork shown at during the 2010 art trail?
The Gallery, Craft Arena, Studio 55, Barleylands Craft Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD.
Do you have any exhibitions planned for the future?
We have our final end of year exhibition at Northbrooks College, Harlow on 11th and 12th June, with it moving to the Craft Arena Gallery after that. The textile group I mentor, Minerva, will be holding its inaugural exhibition at Barleylands in September, just before the A127 trail.
Do you have a website, where people can view your artwork?
You can see some of my work at www.craftarena.co.uk/gallery, but I must admit it does need updating with my latest work!
