Archives: Artists

After a lengthy illness I am now(2013) returning to my professional practice. My inspiration is drawn, primarily, from Landscape and mans part in its manipulation. I use landscape and the Human condition as a metaphor in expressing concerns and observations on topical events, particularly those relating to the Environment and Politically inspired events. please watch this space for updates to portfolio and activity !!!

Inspired by a visit to the Alfred Munnings Museum in Dedham Vale in the Summer of 2023 I began experimenting with an enhanced palette of greens, pinks and blues. I created a number of small number brightly coloured flameworked hummingbirds, which led to the idea of the shimmering bowl. Hundreds of small wing like flame worked pieces, were lightly tack fused together before being slumped in the kiln.

I use a range of kiln-formed techniques but I am drawn to pâte de verre (glass paste). My forms are created using clay and wax. Sand from my favourite locations incorporated into my work adds texture and ‘grounds’ my work, creating a sense of place.

My poppy bowls and plates are very popular as well as my Christmas trees at Christmas time. I have a permanent display at Burgh House in Hampstead,London where I had an exhibition last summer. I am very excited to have been chosen to be one of the 14 artists selected to have a showcase at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland where I will be exhibiting from November 19th until 12th January 2015.

I show my work locally, often with my local art group, SEAS www.searts.co.uk. I accept private commissions, for windows, or custom made pieces. I also show work in selected galleries. I offer courses for very small groups or on a one to one basis, locally in Deal, East Kent: techniques offered are fusing and/or other glass techniques such as painting and enamelling.

I am a socially engaged interdisciplinary artist working in performance, video, sound, and installation, sometimes simultaneously. Much of my work is an exploration of difficult and uncomfortable aspects of being human: dying and forgiveness. I use performance as part of a practice to make compelling and safe situations and environments inviting deep introspection from viewers and participants. Often using glass for its sonic, encapsulating, and transparent qualities, live performances may include the making and/or destruction of objects. Using my body to act upon objects I have often made can emit sound transcendent. These actions can also catalyse cacophony when objects are destroyed, but in that destructive action, there is space for transcendence.

Much of my practice is collaborative and projects like the live performance Torcher Chamber Arkestra combine fire, music, sound, and electronics and are collaborative not only between the performers, but with the audience as well. Projects such as Forgiveness, are not only interactive but often collaborate with supported groups, in situations with imbedded duty of care.

I try to make work that is emotionally and spiritually useful. Feedback teaches me that these works can be beneficially life-changing for some and that the environment of an exhibition which contains captured and broadcast performances, can lead to social dialogue and exchange with profound positive effect.