Artist Statement
Concepts
By pulping waste and reclaiming materials others have rejected, papermaking and printmaking have become for me a process of discovery and evolution. Through use of concealed colour texture and rhythm, I make sculptural constructions and wall-pieces which explore the contrast between external appearance and the internal; the barriers we meet in society and the facades we hide behind.
The pieces are moulded and embossed and the pulp often combined with text, hair, thread, tacks and various print techniques, creating an irresistible surface. Although essentially abstract, my work is often evocative of something recognisable. My work can be beautiful and enticing but hidden, are ideas the viewer may not choose to linger over should they be presented in a less appealing, less enigmatic way.
Influences
Conceptual, sensory, recycling, installation, interactive, abstract, tactility, personal, memory, emotional, evocative, sculptural, fibre art, tapestry, construction, textiles, collaborative, community, mixed media, printmaking, drawing, paper-making, outsiderart, mental health, people
Career path
Qualifications:
1993 MA European Fine Art, Winchester School of Art (including nine months studio practice in Barcelona)
1988 BA Hons (First Class) Constructed Textiles, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee
1983 Foundation in Art and Design, West Nottinghamshire College of Art
Teaching Experience:
1997 to present - Education Co-ordinator for The Travelling Gallery
2010 to present - leading exhibition tours for groups of adults with Visual Impairment, City Art Centre Edinburgh
2000 to present - running various creative workshops with adults, children and SEN groups
2009 to 2010 - running innovative workshops round theme of Robert Burns for adults over 60 and children from Royal Blind School, culminating in group show
2001 to 2003 - Visual Studies lecturer, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee
1995 - First year General Art and Design Lecturer, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Dundee
1994 - Lecturer, Visual Studies, Scottish College of Textiles, Galashiels
Areas of work:
Early years education
Primary education
Secondary education
Tertiary education
Adult education
Community arts
Exhibiting
Healthcare arts
Lecturing
Residencies
Studio workshop technician
Project management
Workshops
Art therapy
Radio/TV
Special needs
Collections:
Djanogly Art Centre, Nottingham
City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Private collections in UK Zurich, Barcelona, New York, Hamburg,
CV & Education
Solo exhibitions
2001 - Flag Installation , Lerwick Lanes, Shetland
2000 - Banner installations, Cortonvale Primary School and Cortonvale Prison, Stirling
Group exhibitions
2010 - GARAGE, Arts Festival, Edinburgh
2005 - Mixed Show, Lillie Art Galllery, Milngavie
2004 - 4x4 Miniatures, Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland
2004 - Paperworks, East Kilbride Art Centre, East Kilbride
2001 - Dovetail, The Travelling Gallery, tour throughout Scotland for four months
2000 - Lip Service, touring: Smith Gallery, Stirling, Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh, Projectability, Glasgow and The Park Gallery, Falkirk
1999 - Skin, an Tuirreann, Portree, Isle of Skye
1998 - Papering; Examples of Contemporary Practice, Djanogly Art Centre, Nottingham
1998 - Papering; Examples of Contemporary Practice, Plymouth Arts Centre
1996 - Take Five, Forest Arts Centre, New Milton, Hants and Walford Mill, Wimbourne Dorset, simultaneously
Curated projects
2009 - Warlocks and Witches in a Dance, The Writers' Museum, Edinburgh
Workshops
2009 - Homecoming Scotland, The Royal Blind School, The City Art Centre, Edinburgh
2009 - Pentland Art Group, Homecoming Scotland, The City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Residencies
2004 - Artist Residency, Carluke Highschool, Carluke
Site specific
2013 - Horticultural Healing?, GARAGE, Arts Festival, Edinburgh
2012 - Final Straw, GARAGE, Arts Festival, Edinburgh