About me

Walk, look, feel alive, create.

Everything starts by walking on our local beaches and coastal paths. Looking, breathing in the views and the sea air. Feeling the sun or the wind or the rain on my face. Often all three at once. Walking makes me feel alive, relaxed, at ease. Refreshed and receptive. Connected to my surroundings.

Living on the coast is what makes me want to paint. I don't want to paint flowers or buildings, Still Life arrangements, pets or portraits, mountains or trees or rivers. All these things I love and yet they don't make me reach for a pencil or paintbrush. 

I want to express how being by the sea makes me feel. To share the joy I experience in walking along the water's edge, noticing the small details as well as the big vistas. Trying to capture the colours of the sky and sea, the patterns in the sand, the feel of salty, sand-laden wind on my face and in my hair. The pools of water, tiny treasures of seaweed and shells. All these things delight me and make me want to make pictures about my experiences, my memories, my feelings.

I am constantly curious, always exploring, trying to find new ways of expressing myself, telling the story of what enthuses me in different ways. Each new collection of work becomes the next chapter in my visual 'storybook'. 

I love to work with different media and creative practices. Following what interests me, I explore different ways of making pictures. I am naturally curious - learning is everything. As long as we are learning we are alive!

I also love to collaborate with other artist friends - seeing what we can do when we create alongside each other or together is always thrilling and inspires me afresh.

Live life, make art.

I started my creative career both early and later in life. As a child I had two passions - making stuff and reading. Sketchbooks and pens, scrapbooks, scissors and glue were my favourite toys. I'm still a voracious reader and my desire to make stuff is only stronger. Making art is my job. It's also how I play.

Before making art full time, I had a 26 year career in the NHS - a wonderful, important, satisfying career that took all my head space, all my energy, all my focus. I wouldn't change a thing looking back. AND leaving the NHS is what gave me back the head space and freed the time for me to take a new path. I reached for a paintbrush and started over. The road less travelled.

Over a number of years, I curated my art education from a variety of sources, and self-directed practice, studying with contemporary artists whose work I enjoyed, including taking a number of courses at Newlyn School of Art, notably completing two full years of intensive professional practice development at the school in June 2023. I continue my studies still, and I know I will never stop. Learning is everything to me.

I work from my studio in Padstow. I have lovely estuary views over the rooftops - even when working I can look at the water, watch the movements of the tide.

I'm now able to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with others. I love teaching and inspiring others on their own creative path. I want everyone to experience the joy that comes from making pictures, from expressing ourselves, finding our own creative spark, whatever it is, and exploring it.

Making art is good for us all. I feel it and I know it. I love helping others to experience this too.