Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I trained as a sculptor at Leicester Polytechnic and Les Arts Decoratifs, Strasbourg.
Major influences on my working practice have been residencies at the Tengenenge Sculptors’ Community, Zimbabwe:1992, and the Shiro Oni Studios, Japan: 2017.
A key member of the design team that carried out the sympathetic restoration of two art deco
cinemas: The Rex, Berkhamsted,(www.therexcinema.com) and the Odyssey cinema, St Albans, https://odysseypictures.co.uk/OdysseyPictures.dll/Home
I was at the forefront of artists in education & interpretation in the 1990’s, including residencies with the V&A and Barbican Gallery Education departments. A co-founder of the artist in education initiative ‘Hand to Hand Arts’ who bring a collaborative approach, actively leading programmes in formal and community settings.
In 2005 I made a successful bid with a colleague, for an Arts Council grant of 25K on
behalf of Hertfordshire Open Studios (2005-2008). In 2017 I was awarded a Sasakawa Foundation travel grant to participate in an artist residency programme at the Shiro Oni Studios, Gunma Pref. I completed my ‘Emergent Maker’ Residency at
Northlands Creative in October 2022.
My creative practice is within the area of ceramics, stone carving and kiln-cast glass. I have wide ranging experience in a many design crafts including; mould-making, casting, cold patination, metal fabrication, chair making and timber framing
What made you choose this career?
Following an inclination from the youngest age that I wanted to do this more than anything else with the hope that I might be good at it and be able to earn a living somehow. I have not always made a living exclusively from art however it has given me multiple transferable skills that have enabled me to work in many arenas including building and building restoration.
I had a teacher at Primary school that recognised and encouraged my creative drive. I have
subsequently been encouraged and supported in my endeavour. I have actively sought out
opportunities and not had the expectation that opportunities would land on the doorstep.
Did you have a formal art education?
Yes
Initially in Printing Technology and Bookbinding as part of a five year apprenticeship in photogravure.
• Leicester Polytechnic, Fine Art/Sculpture
• Building Crafts college, Stonemasonry (part-time)
• RCA Ceramics & Glass
Did this have a positive impact on your career
Yes definitely, although if I was starting out today I might look for opportunities abroad, at a
private college or in a heritage trade such as timber framing.
I do not have confidence that UK education and training institutions currently provide the
experiential learning and studio access that I benefitted from.
I hope that I am wrong about this, however from working inside UK education institutions I am not confident that they have the capacity or rigour to deliver excellence to young people; who commit their time and no small amount of money to so called ‘Universities’
Who inspires you?
Many people inspire me, colleagues, friends, writers, filmmakers, dancers, musicians, sports
people, scientists, engineers, designers, architects, contemporary artists
What is the scariest thing about your job and how have you overcome it?
Working at the edge of my knowledge and skill-set is exciting, uncomfortable and stressful, the plus side is when you complete a new work and there is a sense of accomplishment.
As an artist and artisan, reliance on earning a living can be tricky and I have always supplemented my income with part-time teaching and related practical work.
What do you want to change about your industry
I would like to see the UK adopt the principle of a minimum living wage for artists & craftspeople: similar to schemes in Scandinavia. In this way participants in the industry would not have to rely on working outside their chosen profession to subsidise their practice. More connections with other industries where we can apply our transferable skills would be beneficial to industry and artists.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
I have received lots of good advice but not always listened;
Marketing and promotion is key
‘If you want to earn a dollar you must climb a tree and holla!’
Tenacity and work commitment
‘Prepare the ground; even though it may never rain.......’
‘Give Tone to Form and Form to Tone’ I think this paraphrases a Zen Buddhist concept
‘Follow your heart’ is probably the advice I would pass on
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