ARTIST STATEMENT:
My work is decorative and illustrative. I produce original paintings and designs for interiors. Styles range from contemporary and simplistic to more complex artworks. My portfolio includes artworks along the following themes; Abstracts, Florals, Nautical, Fish, Shells, Seascapes, Boats, Ceramics, Cakes, Cocktails, Valentine, Paisleys, Butterflies, Tattoo art, Harvest, Bunnies and Christmas.
I have over thirty years commercial experience producing work for Illustration, Packaging, Posters, Textiles, Interiors, Fabric, Paper Goods, Tiles and Ceramic Tableware. I produce my own range of printed and sewn textile products and cards.
I design and paint mainly from my studio in London. My teaching practice has included teaching textile design and illustration at art schools and university level. I am a qualified teacher and teach painting and drawing, arts, crafts, sewing, design, literacy and creative writing to adults and children.I paint in gouache, watercolour and acrylics.
My first book is: 'Understanding and using a sewing machine'.
QUALIFICATIONS
2017 - PGCE Greenwich University
2009 - Open University - BA (HONS) English Literature
1980 - 1983 - West Sussex College Of Design
1983 Advanced College Diploma in Textile Design
1983 Distinction Licentiate to the Society Of Designer Craftsmen
1979 - 1980 - Portsmouth College Of Art - Art Foundation Course
EXHIBITIONS - AWARDS
1983 - Texprint at Fabrex, Olympia
1983 - SDC Distinction Licentiate Exhibition, Foyles, London
Many international trade shows
EMPLOYMENT
1984-1987 - Studio Designer for David Hicks International. I produced Designs
and trend and colour concept presentations for Furnishings, Fashion
Prints, Weaves, Products and accessories for the Japanese market.
I also worked closely with the in-house interior designers on print,
weave and carpet products.
1987-1989 - Studio Designer/Consultant for David Hicks and GIA. I also styled
and designed ranges for Textile, Bedding and Wall-covering
companies.
1989-2000 - I established and ran a design group portfolio, featuring the
work of ten designers, including myself. I produced designs and
forward trend predictions and marketed the collection through
trade shows and sales trips, in the UK, Europe and the US.
1989-2020 - I have designed for a wide range of commercial
customers. These have included (UK); Anna French, Barnardo's
BHS, Crown Wallcoverings, Harrods, H and R Johnson's tiles,
Laura Ashley, Marks and Spencers, Pilkington's tiles, Original Style
Rosenteil's (Les Fleurs Rose), Pavilion Fabrics and Swantex.
I designed, produced and launched a range of own label tea towels, textile products and cards.
I have worked extensively in the US market with a range of clients in many product areas.These include: Avon Home, Tobin Home, Springs, Christmas Tree Shops,
Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, Oriental Accent, PTS, Town and
Country and WC Designs.
Suomen Kerta Oy (Finland); International Alliance Network Corp
(Taiwan), Villeroy and Boch (Germany), Laura Ashley (UK) and Harrods (UK).
I have lectured and taught extensively in design, making, textiles, painting, up-cycling and creative writing for over twenty years., working in settings including Universities, community venues, Adult Education and a Conservatoire.