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My scope is multi-disciplinary : sculpture, drawing, painting
and printmaking - plus a fascination with new media.
I 've have had the benefit of a pragmatic up-bringing where from a very
early age I was encouraged to ask questions, look at things and record
them. Early childhood was spent experimenting with drawing and making
things. My ambitions were firstly to be an architect, or furniture designer
- then having found and admired the rich heritage of local landscape painting
I decided I too wanted a career in fine art.
In 1969 I took my first step, a foundation course at Ipswich School of
Art, next came 3 years studying Graphic Design (70-73) after which I was
elected a Licentiate member of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers
(LSIAD). This was followed by a post - graduate course in graphics at
Wimbledon School of Art (1973-74) where I specialised in illustration.
Wimbledon was a turning point where I re-kindled my earlier interest in
fine art.
Since leaving college Ive worked in advertising, illustrated books
and magazines, run a yacht chandlery, a graphic design studio & taught
art and design in a variety of institutions including HMP Kingston, the
local prison.
Over the years my approach to art and design has radically changed - getting
away from the constraints of the purely functional. Now, although my inspiration
often follows traditional themes, the work itself has become my vision.
My work hovers somewhere between abstract and figurative, minimalist and
hyper-realist. Inspiration is born out of an obsession with drawing and
an attempt to pull together numerous threads of experience.
Im interested in mans interaction with the environment and
traces or fragments of the past. Im also fascinated by the process
of maps and map making. In addition I enjoy figurative 3D work and this
is often closely linked with my drawing practice.
I am currently working on a series of two & three-dimensional works
inspired by sites of special interest in and around Suffolk - my birthplace
and spiritual home.
Suffolk is full of contrast - tranquil and wild - heathland and marsh.
Nature and the landscape play a large part in my work, as does the effect
of man upon the landscape.
Being brought up on the coast I am particularly interested in the sea,
the craft that used to ply back and forth upon it and the lives of those
associated with it. Suffolk has a long history spanning 5,000 years; it
was invaded by the Romans, Danes and Anglo Saxons - all have left their
trace upon the landscape. One particular site of special interest to me
is Sutton Hoo, where in 1939 the buried treasure of a 7th century Saxon
king was found beneath a grave mound. A priceless hoard of jewellry, coins
and artifacts was found inside the remains of a sea going ship that was
buried in an oval pit.
I have recently begun a series of reconstructed landscapes - the first
of which is inspired by the Sutton Hoo site, exploring simple forms, space,
natural materials, light and reflection. I am an experienced lecturer
and workshop leader and have worked for many years in further and adult
education. I contribute towards the Art Space Adult Education programme
by holding regular classes in Life Drawing and Sculpture.
I am available for 2D & 3D Commissions, Residencies, Workshops and
Project Management.
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