HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
A decorative artist specialising in experimental surface decoration combining gilding with print and hand painting.

I work on a variety of surfaces from paper to textiles to glass and am currently developing ranges of gilded jewellery and interior accessories. I also lecture in a wide variety of decorative paint techniques and experimental mixed media.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE AT PRIMARY SCHOOL?
A musician.

WHAT CAREER PATH DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My initial training was in wood graining, marbling, gilding and specialist paint finishes. I then did a Cert Ed. and other short courses (life drawing, interior design, and printing) while I was teaching part-time at a further education college. I became full-time after 2 years and taught on a wide range of courses – Art & Design Pre-Degree Foundation, Interior Design, National Diploma, OCN short courses – for both adult and 16-19 year old students. After 7 years I left full-time teaching to up-skill and develop new work by taking a variety of short courses at Central St Martin’s Art College which gave me the confidence to set up as self-employed. I am now balancing being a designer/maker with teaching workshops and lecturing.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
Textured and distressed surfaces, intuitive exploration with materials, collaborating with other designers.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ARTIST/MAKER WHO YOU FIND INSPIRATIONAL?
Norma Starszakowna’s textiles, Linda Florence’s wallpapers, Syann van Niftrik’s jewellery.

DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF TEACHING
I demonstrate many techniques and processes, introduce different media and encourage students to experiment and explore widely within an open and friendly environment.

WHAT WILL STUDENTS GAIN IF THEY COME ON ONE OF YOUR COURSES?
Lots of new skills, a deeper insight into materials and their potential and the confidence to push boundaries and think laterally.

DO YOU HAVE A MEMORABLE CAREER MOMENT?
When I sold my first pieces - to Coles Wallpapers.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
An Epstein bronze bust left to me by my grandmother.

WHERE CAN STUDENTS SEE EXAMPLES OF YOUR WORK?
On my website and in my studio at Surrey Artists Open Studios in June.