About me
Artist, ornithologist & autmnophile.
My inspiration
The work I do is heavily inspired by natural history, and when I focus on a place I like to embed myself in it. My process starts with walking and noticing, and documenting the habitat and species I find through photography.
Back in the studio, I methodically choose materials that I feel are relevant to the landscape. My palette includes rare-breed wool, cottons and silks. My tools of the trade are a needle and a spinning wheel.
The ideas evolve from conservation-based practices of habitat mapping translated to colourful and thoughtful abstract works that capture the nuance of wild places.
The places that I choose to work in highlight the importance of biodiversity.
Conservation research
I’m a licensed bird ringer with the British Trust for Ornithology. This takes me to interesting places, and it makes me a more observant artist.
The question of ‘How blue is this Blue Tit?’ becomes a matter of accurate data collection. Bird ringing has trained my eye to notice the subtlety of colour, and given me an appreciation of the importance of data for species and habitat recovery.
I believe that by bringing my artwork and bird ringing together, I can work to interpret and highlight positive action being taken by volunteers and non-profit organisations to care for our environment.
In working closely with nature, I’m interested in researching the historical and social aspects of a place. I have a particular interest in the enclosure acts, and special designations for protecting land, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Experience
Commissions and residencies
2022 Wool and dye R&D project, Attenborough Arts Centre
2022 Blue Friday takeover, Trent Rivers Trust
2022 River Trent R&D project, Attenborough Arts Centre
2022 Platform residency, Surface Gallery
Juried group exhibitions
2023 NAE Open at New Art Exchange, Nottingham
2022 Abstract at Surface Gallery, Nottingham
2021 Shape & Colour at The Qube, Oswestry
2021 REBORN at The Hive, Shrewsbury
grants
2022 Oppenheim Downes Memorial Trust
2021 Develop Your Creative Practice, Arts Council England
Professional development
2023 Dialogues, Mark Devereux Projects
2022 Mentoring with Leslie Roberts
2022 Mentoring with Stella Sidelli
2021 Mentoring with Yelena Popova
