To me Drawing , Intaglio Printing Sculpting and Etching is very much a form of communication and a means to understand the natural world. Personally I feel that am poor with words and can best express my thoughts best this way.
My father was a keen sketcher of both people and landscapes. Wherever he went, he carried a sketch book and pen.They were, in effect his diary. Until his death in 2006, I often accompanied him and started my own sketch books.
In the 1970s my interest in the Natural World led me to do a degree in Geography at Oxford University and subsequently a Masters in Glacial Geology at the University of Reading. have also worked as a Sedimentologist on Cores for a number of years both in the Netherlands and Sarawak. I also married a Geologist dedicated to his subject.
Since I married, a Geologist , my family life has been peripatetic and this gave a broader perspective of the physical world which inspired me to keep drawing and continue to try new techniques particularly pastel drawing, etching and 3-D work.
In the 1990s I completed a 2 year Foundation course in “Visual Studies” at the Colchester Institute, Essex where I developed a particular interest in Life Drawing.
In 2007, I commenced Art courses at the wonderful SKVR ( Centre for the Creative Arts in Rotterdam). This meant I had the opportunity to focus on becoming professional. Over a period of 6 years I was part of a small group of artists who were selected to do “De Opleiding”( specialist training) where I further developed my skills for etching ,Life Drawing and sculpting. Most of my Sculpture dates from this time.
At the completion of my training with SKVR, I was honoured with a Solo Exhibition in the Gallery of the Donner Book Store in Central Rotterdam.
I live in Oxford now and since joining the Oxford Printmaker’s Co-operative have specialised in Intaglio Printing.
My interest in the Natural World has not abated. I was very honoured to co-curate an Oxford Printmakers collaboration with Oxford University’s Natural History Museum for the Exhibition entitled “First Animals” 2019 – 2020. This Exhibition has travelled to various schools and is currently on display in Loughborough Town Hall as part of the Charnwood Forest Geopark initiative.