A short word for a long story
About
Born in Bedfordshire in 1965, much of my early years were spent making, painting and drawing during the many power-cuts of the 1970’s. After leaving school and college with qualifications in art, ceramics, history of art and textiles, continued my studies at Brighton Polytechnic, where, whilst studying for a (BA Hons) degree in materials, my love of ceramics, graphics and printing were first fused.
After leaving university, I mainly worked with various companies within the graphics industry, including Nokia UK, undertaking many tasks, mostly working on 2 dimensional surfaces.
In 2008, after raising a family, I found myself in the unique position to attend college and re-ignite my passion for clay. I enrolled on a Foundation degree (FdA) at Barnfield College, Luton, and worked hard to rekindle forgotten skills in clay, and create a current portfolio. After 2 years of part time study, I graduated in 2010 with a distinction in 3D Design. Shortly afterwards, in 2011, I was awarded a 5-year fellowship at ‘Digswell Arts Trust’ which provided me with a well-equipped affordable studio and mentoring.
1982 – 1984
Brighton Polytechnic, WMCP Materials BA (Hons)
2008 - 2010
FdA Foundation Degree 3D Design, Barnfield College, Luton, Distinction.
2010 - 2012
Ceramic Design, UAL, Central St Martins, London BA (Hons) (1st Class Honours Degree)
2014-2016
MA Ceramics and Glass, Royal College of Art, London – (Distinction Dissertation) – Full Scholarship
CURRENT PRACTICE
2016 – present – Working full time from my Langford studio in Bedfordshire – Part time tutor and mentor at current studio
This qualification alongside my current portfolio awarded me with a place on the BA (Hons) Ceramic Design course at Central St Martins, London. Here I received incredible tuition, endless facilities and access to an overflowing library. This rich array of resources allowed me to push boundaries, encouraged experimentation and find my own style. After 2 great years in 2012, I graduated with a 1st Class Honours degree. It was during this time that I was shortlisted for the prestigious NOVA award, and all degree show work was retained by the Lethaby Gallery, London ‘in perpetuity’.
After my time in education, turning my passion into a living became a daunting task. In 2012, I was accepted onto the prestigious Craft Councils Hot House programme, designed to provide you in navigating this process. Now knowing how to steer the choppy waters, I exhibited at many craft shows and galleries across the UK, culminating in the Hothouse alumni being awarded the ‘Explore Award’ at the 2013 British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke-on-Trent.
In 2014, I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Royal College of Art, London. During this time, I was able to further develop my skills and embraced the direction my studies were taking me. In 2016 I graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) and a distinction dissertation alongside a sellout degree show. I then knew that I had found what I was looking for and continue to practice my craft from my home studio in Bedfordshire.
Since studying at the RCA, I have worked alongside many outlets and interior design stores, e.g., Designers Guild, Kings Road, London, and CoCA, York. I have worked with many galleries, and have exhibited my work at many shows, both in the UK and internationally, including Ceramic Art London in 2018 and 2019.