Artist Statement
I create vibrant architectural paintings which are intricate and graphic in style. I combine abstracted elements and decorative architectural patterns with a striking colour palette. I am fascinated by the details found in historic buildings and I am especially drawn to the sharp contrast of regular linear shapes with the patterned elements which can be found in decorative wrought ironwork, arabesque plasterwork and floral motifs. I find myself drawing parallels with similar elements in both Persian and Arabic Art, from the use of elaborate ornamentation to repetitive geometrical designs. Using elements from both the exterior and interior of buildings I am inspired to create colourful and complex compositions through a process of reconstruction, overlapping and layering.
Initial sketches created in situ enable me to explore all facets of the building and allow me to observe and record significant details. Through the process of drawing I can make a connection, get to know the building and begin to develop ideas for future work. Quick composition sketches inform the structure of my painting and through a series of layers, including watercolour or acrylic paint, ink and hidden collage fragments I am able to construct an intricate composition of interlocking shapes and colours.
My home town of Buxton has a rich architectural heritage and has been a source of inspiration for many of my paintings and my love of travelling and exploring new places has had a lasting impression on me too - from the vivid colours in India, to Gaudi’s architectural gems in Barcelona and the intricate decoration on temples in Thailand. I believe this diversity of experience provides a ‘melting pot’ of ideas and styles from which I can conjure up my own unique vision.
I graduated with an honours degree in Design for Communication Media and two awards from the Royal Society of Arts, which included a travel scholarship to India and a work placement with The John Lewis Partnership. I then completed a post graduate degree in education and spent the next 24 years as a specialist teacher of art and design. I returned to creating my own work four years ago and I'm now a full time artist, working from my studio in the Peak District.
I have had solo exhibitions at The Parsonage in Manchester and Cromford Gallery, I also have a permanent collection in ‘Gallery in the Gardens’ Buxton and I have exhibited with the Peak District Artisans at Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and The Great Dome Art Fair. I'm currently creating work for ‘European Encounters’ an international exhibition to be held in Germany in 2022.
In 2020 my painting 'Roll with It' was selected for the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and the Royal Society of Painters in watercolours exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London. I've also received a number of awards for entries to the Buxton Spa Prize including two International Festival Awards and the People’s Choice Award in 2019.
