About me and my work

My Inspiration
I moved to Long Eaton, Nottingham in 2003 and began making a daily bike ride around West Park to keep fit and unwind. I quickly realised that the park can be the most beautiful place in the world. Throughout the year the colours and light change on a daily basis. The shapes and shadows vary as the seasons progress.

In 2009 I became enchanted by the park in the early evening. I wanted to capture the mysterious relationship between the trees and the artificial lights that line the park. This time of day offers a unusual range of colours to play with; purple grass, orange leaves, deep blue puddles. I want to share this wonderful enchanting place through my paintings.

In 2010 I started an ongoing project to produce a large collection of charcoal drawings. My aim was to capture the dark mystery of my evening bike rides. These pictures often have a hint of colour and have a dark and lightly sinister quality reflecting my trepidation as I cycled round in the dark on my own.

I work in a series. In 2010 I started a new series called ‘Sunlight in my eyes’ which is inspired by the bright light you see when the sun is very low in the late afternoon or very early in the morning. I am intrigued by what is lost in the light, how the shapes disintegrate and new, unexpected shapes form in the extended shadows.

I have also started a painted series called ‘Hotel’. This work is inspired by a hotel I visit in North Yorkshire. It is set within its own wood and has a small lake. The path though the wood to each cabin is beautifully lit, as are the trees on the lake. This series is a celebration of this place. Series are never finished. I return to them through the year as new trips inspire me further.

2011 has been all about the 'Aurora' event at Rufford Abbey. This light show that brings the park to life for a few nights in the winter has captured my imagination and given me an an excuse to get every colour out the box.

I am also inspired by organic forms, particularly leaves. Using charcoal, chalk and inks I explore the twisting form of the dry and decaying leaves. I am drawn to the human/embryonic nature of the shapes.


My Background
Between 1988 and 1991 I studied a BA (Hons) in Fine Art at The University of Northumbria in Newcastle. I gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Nottingham Trent University in 1992. I then worked as an Art Teacher for 10 years in my home town of Nottingham. I used my art projects within school and for the city council to produce articles subsequently published in Art and Design Magazine, a popular art resource for teachers at that time. I then spent 7 years building up a children’s drama academy in Derbyshire. I painted backdrops and created costumes and props for this company. I sold this business in 2007. I now own Local Magazines Ltd, a company producing community news and business directories in Long Eaton and surrounding areas. I am involved in all aspects of the business including advert and artwork design.