Origins

Originally from Devon, I spent the last 20 years in Somerset and have now returned to South Devon, UK.

Inspired by nature and mythology I make bold and dynamic glass and ceramic mosaic art works.
Having grown up in the countryside I have always had a deep respect of nature. Since I was very young I have been fascinated with ancient myths and legends; local stories and tales from overseas that take their very essence from nature.

Experimenting

I hand gild glass and acrylic to use in my work, using various kinds of metal leaf; silver, gold and imitation gold. For outdoor pieces the imitation metal leaf under the glass will tarnish and form a patina which changes colour over time. I find a fascination in the relationship between the permanence of the structure and the transient and evolving colours of the mosaic skin.

Techniques and Inspiration

Throughout the years I have used various techniques to make my work,  such as using the edge of strips of stained glass and setting them indirectly to show the streaks found in the glass. Another technique is using the grout as a design element, as if I am “drawing in grout.”

More recently I have been making mosaic wall sculptures, exploring form through various sculptural techniques using wire, cement board, plaster and polystyrene and decorating with a mosaic skin. Most of the works are birds or moths in flight.

New work for exhibitions has led me to delve into religious iconography and find connections with our modern world.

Education

After completing a foundation art diploma at Somerset College of Arts and Technology I enrolled on a Creative Arts degree course in Cheshire where I could experiment in various media including dance, photography, painting, performance and video.

I graduated in 1989 and continued to make and exhibit surreal and mysterious art works of collage and photo-montage, my chosen media in the final year.

Several years later I made my first large scale mosaic on an outdoor wall of a primary school with help from the children. I found I loved the tactile and beautiful nature of mosaic art; the messy gloop of cement mortar, the reflective qualities of glass.
Since then I have developed my skills and my style through experimentation, persistence, and obsession, and by studying with mosaic masters.

In 2006 I was awarded professional membership of the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen.

In 2014 I was awarded the Craft and Design Selected Maker Silver Award in the Specialist Media category.

My work is in private and public collections around the UK and abroad.

I make work for exhibition and commission, and I run private workshops and work with schools.

Current memberships:

South West Sculptors

South West Mosaic Artists 

South Hams Art Forum

Devon Artist Network