Artist Statement
I am a sculptor/maker working mainly with wood to commission in the area of public art, creating both functional and non functional pieces. Using the highly tactile and organic material of timber, my approach is to create artworks which are inviting, engaging and inclusive. There are always distinct references to natural forms and processes and the works hold layers of meaning. Ideas around transformation, regeneration and the cycles of nature are explored. Through the use of more abstract forms, viewers are invited to make their own associations and interpretations of my work
Work is produced to the highest standard and made to endure. Through concern for the environment rainforest timber is never used, unless reclaimed. Tree planting is often incorporated with the intention to "give back" what has been taken from nature. Recent work has incorporated tree planting as a living sculptural element, designing kinetic sculpture powered by wind and solar energy, and creating time based and ephemeral work.
Influences
Nature, natural forms, transformation, growth, layers, motion, time, hidden and revealed, symmetry and asymmetry, sculpture and planting, kinetic sculpture, time based and ephemeral work.
Career path
Medway College of Design - Foundation Course - 1974/75
Canterbury College of Art - BA in Fine Art - 1976/79
Rainham Skill centre - City & Guilds in Carpentry & Joinery - 1987/88
Self Employed status - 1988
Oyster Bench (1st public art piece) - 1989
Grizedale Forest Park - (2 month residency) - 1992
Leeds General Infirmary - (2 major commissions) - 1997
Rouse Kent Public Art Award Chair - 2000
Crawley Parks - (2 major commissions) 2001
Artists symposium in Hungary - 2001
Exhibitions - (2 two person shows)
Teaching at KIAD to BA students - 2003
CV & Education
Group exhibitions
2001 - Iron and Wood, Sassoon Gallery, Folkstone Library, Kent
2000 - Wood and Iron - Two Elements Explored, Ramsgate Library Gallery, Kent
1999 - Kent Contemporary Craft, Romney Marsh Craft Gallery, Lydd, Kent
1996 - Wood with a Life, Ramsgate Library Gallery, Kent
1993 - Residencies, Maidstone Library Gallery, Maidstone, Kent
1992 - The Furnished Landscape, Crafts Council, London
1991 - Sea Benches, Herbert Read Gallery, Canterbury, Kent
1991 - Shades of Public Art, Maidstone Library Gallery, Maidstone, Kent