Artist Statement
Artist Statement
My most recent work is inspired by the rubbish washed up on Brighton’s Beach and collected by the SEALIFE staff in their Beach clean project. This work is a response to a current environmental dilemma. It is now estimated that twelve million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year. By 2050, plastic will outweigh all the fish in the ocean. (Sussex Express 2022)
The process has involved retrieving these everyday things that we throw away and presenting them in a new and fascinating dimension. I take for example discarded fishing nets that have washed up on our beaches and transform them into sculptures, often depicting the very natural life they threaten. I have utilised just a limited range of tools and craft techniques to do this, including a range of basketry techniques such as ‘coil’ and ‘twinning’. Effectively, my works turn harmful trash into precious treasures that stand as powerful reminders of the harm modern industrial materials can have on our wildlife.
My work recycles a diverse selection of rubbish, but my favourite materials are drinks can metal and polypropylene rope known as ‘ghost netting’ regularly found on beaches. From these materials I have also created innovative baskets and jewellery. I have had work included in two touring shows entitled ‘From Trash to Treasure: A Revaluation of Plastics’. These exhibitions aim to inspire, inform, and encourage everyone to experience the fun of creative recycling and have been accompanied with a range of workshops.
CV & Education
Qualifications and training
1991 - BA Hons, First Class, Fine Art, Central St Martins, London
1991 - Postgraduate study, Warsaw Academy of Fine Art, Poland
1986 - Studied Painting and Drawing, part of degree programme, Cantebury College of Art and Design
1984 - Foundation Course, Medway College of Art and Design
Solo exhibitions
2005 - Big Bugs, I O Gallery,, Brighton, East Sussex
2001 - Animal Crackers, mosaic animal sculpture, 10 Gallery, Brighton
2000 - Drawings, Anatomical Animals, Lewes Gallery, Lewes, East Sussex
2000 - Mosaic Sculptural Figures, Brighton Designers and Makers, 10 Gallery, Brighton
Group exhibitions
2008 - Sculpture Trail, Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex
2008 - Sussex Downs College Open Exhibition (Eastbourne Festival), Sussex Downs College, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne
2007 - Captured - Cabinets of Curiosity and Contemporary Crafts, The Haven Gallery,, Boston, Lincs
2006 - Eastbourne Open Art Exhibition - Winner Sculpture category, Chaseley Trust, Eastbourne
2004 - Contemporary Connections, Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, Maidstone, Kent
2003 - Autumn Show, Paddon and Paddon, Eastbourne, East Sussex
2003 - 'Encounters' - Sussex Open, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Brighton, East Sussex
2003 - London Cow Parade, various venues, London
2002 - Art for the Garden, Beatrice Royal Art Gallery, Southampton
2000 - Hung, Drawn and Quartered, entry used to publicise event, on posters, invitation cards and Website, Phoenix Gallery, Brighton, East Sussex
Workshops
2006 - Childrens Puppetry Workshops, Ditchling Museum, Ditchling, East Sussex
Educational experience - primary
2006 - Insect project, Hankham Primary School , Stone Cross, Eastbourne
2005 - Big draw, Wetlands Trust, Arundel, West Sussex, Arundel, West Sussex
Educational experience - tertiary
2006 - Adult Education Tutor, Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne, East Sussex