MY STORY

Life is full of surprises; twists and turns that we encounter along the way. It’s full of opportunities to grow and learn and it’s fair to say I’ve seen my fair share of rollercoaster rides!​

Today, as I look at the rich variety of canvases and paintings surrounding me, it's hard to believe there was a hiatus of nearly 30 years 'in training'.

"To be yourself in a world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

With a deep sense of living life to the full, and a lifetime of personal and professional experiences to draw from, it is wonderful to be at my easel full-time and to be ‘home’. It’s true to say that the university of life is our greatest teacher and for me that means going with the flow and participating fully. We don’t always understand why our paths take us where they do, then one day we look back and see clearly what we could not have known.

I have a fascination for faces and achieving likeness is key. There’s no pre drawing or measuring in any of my work, it is about observation: seeing what is really there, not what you ‘think’ is there and translating that. No failures, just stages. Learning and understanding more as you pass through each stage. Each face is made up of unique shapes, tones and colours to create a portrait full of life and character.

My early life and years as a professional dancer and further decades in the health and fitness industry and yoga, have been both a source of knowledge and expression. Physicality, a love of movement and appreciation of aesthetics are intrinsic to me, my art and how I work, a natural affinity with the figurative.

Connection and colour feature too. Working mainly in acrylic where the vibrancy of colour and quick drying qualities work well for me as I paint the people, places, and experiences I have a connection with.  

It may surprise you that Boxers feature. My passion here was fuelled by joining  a local boxing club several years ago, Women’s Boxing Northampton, and the women there who still inspire me with their strength, agility, beauty and camaraderie. I had no idea it would lead me to meeting and painting world champion boxers.

“Do what makes your heart and soul sing”

A natural affinity for collaboration and community and a large network has enabled me to combine my art with some wonderful people, businesses and organisations. Working in partnership to create and support events, groups and projects as well as evolve my own work.