Artist statement
R.L. Gregory, the experimental psychologist has described the unique qualities of human perception as an active process; one in which our brain is constantly testing and re-testing hypotheses regarding what might be in front of our eyes. 'Seeing is so familiar, apparently so easy, it takes a leap of imagination to appreciate that the eyes set extremely difficult problems for the brain to solve for seeing to be possible. How does it work? How are ghostly images transformed into appearances of solid objects, lying in an outer world of space and time?' My work emerges as a result of my fascination with perception, geometry, perspective and faith as systems, ones in which we are constantly creating, and recreating social meaning, testing our hypotheses on the nature of existence, within this 'outer world of space and time'. In my practice over the last fifteen years, I have developed a multidisciplinary approach encompassing sculpture and installation; teaching and museum and gallery education. For me, the multidisciplinary nature of my work is a fertile ground for a rich and enjoyable field of practice.
Qualifications and training
- 2006 MA - Contemporary Fine Art Practice, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds
- 1995 PGCE - Primary Education, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham
- 1990 Fine Art - Sculpture, Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic, Newcastle upon Tyne
Employment
- 2010 Research Associate, Leeds University, Leeds
- 2005 Year Tutor - BA(Hons) Visual Communication, Leeds College of Art and Design, Leeds
- 2001 Lifelong Learning Officer, Royal Armouries, Leeds
- 1998 Education Officer, Temple Newsam House, Leeds
Solo exhibitions
- 2009 Flatworks, South Square Gallery, Thornton, Bradford
- 1998 Museum, Salford University, Salford
Group exhibitions
- 2010 Melange, Leeds Met Gallery, Harvey Nichols, Leeds
- 2010 Badigloolust, Royal Standard, Liverpool
- 2010 On Your Wall, Leeds Met Gallery, Leeds
- 2009 Salon (Doppelgänger), Torhaus Gallery, Dortmund
- 2008 195 Miles, PSL (Project Space Leeds), Leeds
- 2008 Salon 2008, East Street Arts, Leeds
- 2008 Separations, Spacia Arts, Leeds
- 2008 On Your Wall, Leeds Met Gallery, Leeds
- 2005 Artists Show, Leeds City Art Gallery, Leeds
- 2005 From the Ordinary, Leeds Met Gallery, Leeds
- 1990 New Art North West, Cornerhouse, Manchester
- 1989 New Contemporaries, ICA, London and national tour
Live/Performance
- 2010 ' Drawing Shed' for PSL at No Soul for Sale, Tate Modern, London
Workshops
- 2005 Paper Sculpture, Wakefield Art Gallery, Wakefield
- 1998 Great Art Adventure, Tate Gallery, Liverpool
Residencies
- 1997 "When is a Chair not a Chair?", Manchester City Art Gallery, Stretford Grammar School
Public commissions
- 2011 Junction, Leeds Met Gallery & The Culture Company, Leeds
Projects
- 2006 Into the Garden - sculpture project for adults with mental health difficulties, Temple Newsam House, Leeds
- 2005 Adventures in Three Dimensions - sculpture project for adults with mental health difficulties., City Art Gallery, Leeds
- 2005 Castle Building, Wakefield MDC Cultural Services, Pontefract Castle
- 2005 Testbed 3, Leeds Met Gallery, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds
Competitions, prizes and awards
- 2009 New work/professional development funding, Arts Council, Yorkshire
- 1997 Funding award for curatorial project '3rd Person', North West Arts Board, Manchester
- 1997 Funding award for curatorial project '3rd Person', Manchester City Council
Educational experience - primary
- 2005 Using the Sculpture Collection - InSET Course for Teachers, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
- 2005 'Water' sculpture Workshops, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
Educational experience - secondary
- 2008 Tutor and Adviser delivering Arts Award for Young Offenders, Discovery Centre, Leeds
- 2006 100 Sheets and an Engraving - Sculpture Workshop, Lawnswood High School, Leeds
- 2005 INSITU - sculpture workshops for Situation Leeds, Artforms - Education Leeds, Leeds
- 2004 Adventures in Three Dimensions - sculpture workshops, City Art Gallery, Leeds
Educational experience - tertiary
- 2004 Associate Lecturer, Leeds College of Art and Design, Leeds
- 1998 Visiting Lecturer, Salford University, Salford
Educational experience - special needs
- 2006 Exploring Sculpture in the Curriculum Staff INSET training, Oak Tree School, Wakefield
Site specific
- 1991 Specimens, Dry 201, Manchester
Other
- 2009 Trustee, Stretch - Widening Participation Charity, York
- 2003 Voluntary Board Member - Leeds Arts Partnership, Leeds Initiative/Leeds City Council, Leeds
Personal website
