Tell me about your current body of work?
My current main work
is producing interesting and thought provoking lighting, sculptures and wall
pieces produced from a mixture of papers and metals.
By using various
light sources I am able to display hidden textures and designs often missed
when using a simple item such as a piece of paper. Coupling this with repetition and
manipulating these shapes leaves me able to produce chandeliers and lights with
a different appeal.
I find your work truly stunning, what is your
inspiration?
Inspirations come
from within the organic forms found in nature and from their constant
repetitions producing an array of designs and patterns.
Have you always earned you living by being
creative?
Throughout my career
I have been involved in various forms of art or craft, and at one stage owned a
knitwear company designing and producing garments for high end boutiques and
shops in SE England.
Why University?
I started to turn my
hand to Interior Design which involved various other crafts I realised a need
to “do something more” and decided to consolidate my skills and return to
University on a design/crafts course. I
felt this would allow me to experience and master various crafts across a
selection of disciplines – my favourites being metals, paper and mixed media.
Did you see any major changes following your
degree?
Yes, on the completion
of my degree the obvious option for me was to work as a self employed designer
and maker. Obviously this comprised of many
applications to various shows and exhibitions throughout the country, building
up a practice and improving and developing my designs. It’s hard work but definitely fulfilling.
It soon became clear
to me that there were very few opportunities for new designer/makers to exhibit
their work within the Midlands and definitely nothing which would show the
opportunities a Design Craft course would offer to a prospective student other
than the New Designers show in London for graduates.
The idea initially
for me to set up the group “The Collective”, was to show the diversity of
skills and quality of workmanship we had achieved, and provide another stepping
stone for new designers building their careers.
The intention for me
in the future is to extend our group, and take the exhibition on tour to
galleries throughout the country, displaying our skills and showing how the
development of a creative group of graduates move on to become accomplished
craftsmen in their fields.
What are the details for this year's exhibitions
This year's exhibition will be at Creative Hinckley Gallery, The Atkins Building, Lower Bond Street Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1QU
Monday 26th March to Saturday 5th May 2012
Opening times:- 9.00am to 5.30pm
There are also plans for some workshops whilst the exhibition is running, by Katie Almond, Phiona Richards and Samantha Robinson. Prices £20.00 - £25.00 To book a place please contact Creative Hinckley
10am to 1pm Make a beadwire brooch inspired by Easter or Spring
2pm to
4pm Suffolk Puff brooches
10am to 1pm
Paper beads to create a pretty necklace
2.00 to 4pm Paper roses to embellish a brooch or hairslide
10am to 12pm Make a ceramic brooch
1pm to 4pm Ceramic beads or tiles
