My journey into printmaking

Just a little bit about me..

I live in Worthing on the South coast of England, where I was born and raised, studying art throughout school and completing my Art Foundation at City College Brighton & Hove. I then studied Illustration at Southampton Institute (now Solent University), graduating in 2005.

I confess that I haven't always done art, having held down a corporate job for 14 years, followed by working in a secondary school teaching Speech & Language. I left the first job to complete a PGCE to teach Art and it was here that I started to develop an interest in printmaking (ironically, as something I enjoyed doing for myself rather than teaching!). I spent hours and days in that print room at Northbrook College, usually there till kicking out time, annoying the technicians with my questions and constant presence probably.

At some point down the line I picked up a qualification in Interior Design, followed by a long period of redecorating my house and anyone else's who would let me, and then back to the Art.

So my work has changed.a little in its theme but it's now telling a different story. My inspiration comes from the natural world, it is a never-ending source. I see elements in nature all the time and I feel a deep need to capture them, to say "Isn't this exquisite? You need to see this." I started carving larger lino plates so that the detail could really be seen.

After trying several methods of printmaking, I have settled on lino cutting as the best way of translating my ideas into prints. Lino allows for both fine detail and areas of block colour, which I think creates a pleasing balance. I see this mirrored in your interiors too. Smaller areas of detail contrast with larger areas of calm to really draw the eye and create interest.

When people look at my work I want them to remember that nature is remarkable, to go back to the time they first saw a dragonfly up close. Some of the things that surround us every day are impossibly beautiful. My intention is not to imitate them but to remind people that they are out there. We are all moved by beauty and we desperately need to hold onto and look after it.

So now you know a little bit about me, it's your turn. I believe that all partnerships are synergies where we are greater than the sum of our parts, and I think that our work and ideas can complement each other. Relationship is key to me; people, passion and a mutual appreciation. I won't be happy until you are.

So let's work together, I can't wait to meet you.