My obsession is with 'surface’ no matter what shape or form, I work between abstract and illustrative styles in many different mediums. Mixed media is at the heart of my practice, however much of my time lately, has been working with clay. Translating my drawing print + painting technique on to a 3D form has been a revelation and a complete surprise to me over the last few years, however, it has proved very exciting.

 

The heart of my practice is experimentation and process. The inspiration for my artwork comes from all areas of my life. Simple print illustrations begin with a quote from literature (a book, play or poem), and other work evolves from a walk, a memory, an emotion, seasonal cycles and responding to patterns in natural form and the environment.

 

My work is fundamentally rooted in intuitive process, which allows for a playful and accidental response to material - encouraging a creative journey that is not burdened by predictable outcomes. Colour, music and principles of wabi-sabi aesthetic play an important and intrinsic role in my work.

 

I tutor inspired art workshops including; painting, printmaking, ceramics and mixed media. I create an environment for students that is friendly and non-judgemental. With a holistic and mindful approach that is close to my own practice, the workshops are varied, skill building, but more importantly a fun delve into visual arts & craft. Most workshop experiences are taught from Artreach Studios which has been leading the way in art workshops for both children and adults and established its reputation through consistently high standard visual art events, that are fun and accessible too! These organised art experiences have lit the fire and guided many to find a way into accessible creativity through visual art + craft!

 

I have taught for many years including art workshops in Botswana, Africa and printmaking and 2D design at University College, Douglas, Isle of Man, various schools throughout the Isle of Man, projects with Manx National Heritage, Government Mental and Occupational Health Service.

 

My work has been sold worldwide via online shops, exhibitions and artisan markets and has been purchased by private collectors across the world. I have been an active facilitator of community art projects, including; setting up the artists' cooperative 'The Creative Network' which founded the 'The Isle of Man Art Festival', (formerly known as WOSAT ARTS FESTIVAL), artisan market, ‘Christmas Art Crawl’, 'Hygge', Finders Keepers Makers Market and a new event, Isle of Man Clayfest (formerly Manx Potters Fair). These inclusive projects were developed to improve the market, encourage community engagement and give artists and craftspeople, all those working in the visual arts a platform in which to thrive.

 

I currently co-run 'Artreach Studios' and the Gallery, 'Isle Contemporary' - a centre for art workshops, exhibitions and visual art events, in collaboration with artist, Colette Gambell. Following a number of collaborative visual art projects since 2017, Colette and I founded a new mixed media & ceramic based business 'Aos-si' (www.aos-si.com), in 2018. My workshops have been published in ‘Spirit and Destiny’ and ‘Artists and Illustrators’ magazines. 

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My journey has involved a number of years wandering, living in Botswana, London and Spain. I now live back on the Isle of Man, a misty, windy, little island that rises out of the Irish Sea, a beautiful haven, steeped in Celtic, Viking and ancient history, in the seaside town of Peel, where I grew up'.