About Me

Artist Statement

I’m a contemporary British artist based in Devon and working daily from my studio. I work intuitively, creating abstract paintings influenced by the motifs in my dreams, my personal journey of connections and separations as well as a deep love of being with ancient trees and by the sea. 

My aim is to bridge the gap between my past and present, weaving it all together to reveal a new visual narrative combining my louder and quieter self. With each brushstroke, layer of colour and texture my aim is to create space for a new language of expression, speaking my truth about the complexities of identity, belonging and resilience.

I’ve spent most of my life squeezing in making art alongside everything else including teaching, leading teams in the Civil Service and until last year running my gardening business. In June 2024, I finally let go of all my other work distractions and excuses and became a full-time artist, the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do. 

I am self-taught, learning from reading art history, visiting exhibitions and galleries and engaging in short courses and artist networking opportunities.  I enjoy working outside as well as in my studio usually for around six hours per day.

Bio

My paintings often begin with something that that stands out to me from a dream. It could be a character, colour, place or motif and I like to work it out loosely with pastels and charcoal, moving into acrylics, ink and oil pastels later.  Working in this way helps me explore the dream. It's great fun and can be so revealing.

I enjoy building up many layers of paint, pencil, ink and pastel - they’re like the stories of my life! I love exploring shapes, texture and colour, scraping through the paint with natures tools, brushes and palette knives like an explorer. I never know what I’m going to find or do next, and I trust this freeing process.