I live in South Wales and have three grown up children and four grandchildren. I was born in Devon but have lived in a number of places in the UK over the years.

I have been making art as long as I can remember and I see painting as just one form of my creative expression.   In my 40s I finally had the opportunity to take a degree in Fine Arts.  Part way through, I developed a debilitating neurological condition which influenced my work at that time.  I joined a group of local artists and makers in Clitheroe and we held regular joint exhibitions and workshops.  I regularly assisted at events held by the Action Factory, a community arts organisation, in Blackburn. It had a presence at Arts in the Park, Big Picnics and Mela in Blackburn.

In my studio

In 2009, I was invited to participate in an experiential archaeological event. It took place in an iron age hill fort just outside Nelson in Lancashire. Artists of various disciplines (visual, sound, textile) were taken to the site and asked to create a piece echoing their response to the environment. The project concluded with an on-site exhibition. In the autumn of that year I had a joint exhibition in the brand new ACE (arts, culture and enterprise) Centre in Nelson. I was proud to be a Trustee of Full Circle Arts. Based in Manchester, the organisation supported the arts sector to be more accessible to people with disabilities. It challenged attitudes as well as physical spaces and provided opportunities for disabled people in all areas of the arts. Sadly, after nearly 30 years of working with and for disabled and Deaf people in the North West, Full Circle Arts closed in 2017.

A significant life-change towards the end of 2009 and a move to North Wales meant that art making on any scale took a back seat for several years. I was involved in renovating two properties and painting was mostly restricted to decorating walls. However, I continued to work when I could in my own studio space. I undertook portrait commissions and enjoyed the picturesque landscapes around me. I designed and hand-painted two shop signs and made small craft items. I also attended local art and pottery groups on a weekly basis.

In 2019 I moved to Cardiff and since then I have managed to revive my art practice. I now have a small studio where I can work to my heart’s content.

As well as painting I like working in 3-D. I have made a number of clay sculptures over the years, some from driftwood and have continued to expand my skills with a course in stone sculpting with sculptor, Alun Hemming. Sadly, my health means I can no longer continue with the medium but it was an enjoyable experience. I am creative in other areas too which I feel are equally important to me. I have sung in various choirs for over 60 years and will continue to do so until my voice gives up. I sew, decorate cakes and revive worn out furniture. My garden is both my exercise zone and an extension to my art.

Over the past few years I have transformed a mass of gravel, weeds and brambles into a colourful space with its own rainbow flower bed.

2006     BA (Hons) Fine Art

2002-9

New Form Arts group exhibitions:

• Chipping Craft Centre
• Chatburn Village Hall
• Stewards Gallery, Clitheroe Castle

Community Arts Projects:

• The Big Draw as part of Clitheroe Sheepfest
• Walk and draw art trail – Chatburn and beyond
• Promotional banner making
• Willow and paper lanterns and large sculptures
• Drop-ins: tile painting, crown-making, working with recycled plastic

2007-2009         Trustee of Full Circle Arts, Manchester

Summer 2009    Experiential Archaeology exhibition, Castercliff Hill Fort, Lancashire

Autumn 2009    Exhibition ACE Centre, Nelson, Lancashire

2020 onwards, included in several open and group exhibitions:

• HeARTh Gallery in Llandough Hospital, Cardiff
• Made in Roath, G39 gallery, Cardiff
• La Salle, Le Puy, Gers, France
• Llandaff Art Group, Insole Court, Cardiff
• Y Ty Celf – The Art House, Llanelli for International Women’s Day