Where are you from originally and where are you now?
I was brought up in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, but moved to Anglesey, North Wales in 1993.
How did you get started as an artist?
After a two-year art foundation course at Walsall College of Art, I read fashion and textile design at Leicester Polytechnic, then worked as a fashion designer for the retail market before focussing on special-occasion wear and textiles by commission.
What medium/media do you work in?
With a background in textiles, I enjoy the exploration of mixed-media, although painting on silk is my primary specialisation. Experimentation with texture has led to the development of stitched collage, surface decoration and fibres and yarn felted by hand and machine.
How would you describe your work?
My work is vibrant. I enjoy the simplicity of line and the bold colours of silk painting, particularly capturing the beautiful North Wales landscape with a contemporary twist. The subject matter focusses on my love of bright colours reflecting on sunny days with a life full of optimism and dreams, particularly at the seaside.
What are your influences and inspirations?
I am continually inspired by the ever-changing landscape of the Isle of Anglesey, both coast and country. It is such a beautiful island. I am hypnotised by the senses of the seaside: the sound of seagulls and of rhythmic waves lapping against the shoreline; the clean smell of the fresh, salty air; the feel of soft sand between my toes; and the taste of fish and chips wrapped in paper and eaten whilst sitting on the sea wall. Artistically I am inspired by textile artist Kaffe Fasset and artist Hundertwasser and their use of colour.
Where has your work been shown? Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
My work has been exhibited in Ireland and across Wales, including at the National Eisteddfod, Cardiff, in 2008. It is available at Oriel Ynys Môn and galleries and outlets on Anglesey.
Anything else we should know?
Member of The Anglesey Craftworkers Guild, Anglesey Arts Forum; North Wales Society of Fine Art; Gwynedd and Clywd Association of Craftworkers; The Guild of Silk Painters.
Website: angleseytextileart.co.uk
