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artist statement

My creative practice encompasses sculpture, drawing and printmaking as well as delivering creative sessions and workshops in collaboration with fellow artists and local community groups. Moving to Gellan Cottage in 2018 was a catalyst to expand my practice into creating larger scale, experimental, site-specific sculptures, exploring new materials and methodologies. That said recycled bronze is a medium to which I often return for small scale pieces as I find it inherently alluring. I feel the versatility and variety of form, texture, patina and lustre it provides adds character and ambiance to the work.

I graduated from Edinburgh University and College of Art with an MA in Fine Art in 1986 and have continued my practice since then and now work from my home studio at Gellan.

Growing up in the Scottish east coast village of Gullane I spent my childhood playing on the beach or in the waves so the coastal environment is a rich source of inspiration to which I often return. My “ Sea Swimmers” aim to capture the essence of being immersed in the sea literally and figuratively with the sea being a metaphor for all of life’s experiences. Themes of joy, fear, freedom, sensuality, struggle and spirituality are expressed through form, texture and figurative allusion. My “Ark” series uses the vessel to transport narratives and ideas symbolically. I also reference the infinite patterns and forms of fossils, shells and driftwood.

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Stamina

Bliss

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Immersion

Birdbath

Shell Form -birdbath

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Darwin's Ark

The “Calves” series was inspired by the hours I spent during lockdown watching newborn calves in the field next to our cottage struggling to their feet, driven by instinct to draw their first feed. I simply wanted to capture this touching story. It felt natural to move from representing farmed cattle to include calves in the wild since they shared the same urgency to be standing and stable in order to survive. In broader terms the series explores themes of instinct, vulnerability, struggle, resilience, and persistence.

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Newborn Instinct

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White Giraffe Calf

Rhino Calf

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Wild Camel Calf On Thin Ice

I’ve always valued the opportunity commissions bring to challenge my creative practice. Whilst the guiding principle is to meet the client's brief, the artist can explore the complex boundary between achieving this and incorporating their own ideas and style if appropriate. Commissions can often lead to exploring new territory, refreshing core sculptural skills or require learning new techniques.

Light Touch

Hand portrait of a young pianist to celebrate his 21st birthday commissioned by his father.

Autumn

Large copper wall piece.

Always Spouting

Humorous portrait commissioned by a wife of her husband as he was always "spouting"! Mounted on the water fountain of their Spanish villa.

Jenny

Memorial portrait of a much loved Border Terrier.

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