I'm a printmaker living in South Wales.
The themes in my work have traditionally explored man-made landscapes; agricultural, industrial and urban environments. I have always been fascinated by the architectural shapes and patterns which describe the physical landscape, and communicate the history and culture of a place. My recent work primarily focuses on my own heritage and the significance of treasured objects and heirlooms.
Although I have exhibited as a solo artist for 35 years, collaboration has enriched my personal experience and broadened my expertise.
In 2018 I worked with musician and producer Martyn Ware and multi-media artist Tracey Moberly to create POWER, a multi-disciplinary installation and exhibition. The collaboration which included a 3D soundscape, projections and a collection of prints was a response to the history of manufacturing and the decline of the UK steel industry.
More recently I was supported by Wales Arts International and the Arts Council of Wales to connect with Pakistani printmaker, Muhammad Atif Khan. Together we created DIPTYCH, a collection of 16 limited edition prints. We each made images, exchanged work and created a visual response on the same paper, resulting in a unique combination of visual vocabulary with references drawn from our own cultures and heritage. The collection is currently touring venues in both the UK and Pakistan.
Through printmaking techniques, I challenge myself to explore new ways to present my observations. With a passion for screen printing, I like to push the boundaries of the process and play with colour. I create intricate, hand-cut paper stencils, and print layers of vibrant colour to build my images. Much like a painting, I work from the background, adding layers to achieve depth and detail. I like to break the rules of traditional printmaking and experiment by layering light pigments over dark, enjoying the translucency and opacity of the medium.
To learn a bit more about the process, read this post or attend one of my upcoming workshops.
Over the years I have worked with many organisations and businesses to create bespoke artwork for interior spaces. I’ve worked extensively in education; in Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher Education sectors, and have a long-standing commitment to sharing my expertise with groups in the community.
As a proactive member and director at Swansea Print Workshop, I am currently working on the development of MiniPrint Wales with support from the Arts Council of Wales and the Brecknock Trust. The project aims to raise the profile of printmaking as an artform by developing exceptional learning experiences and challenging experienced and emerging printmakers to work in miniature.