Artists Statement
I studied sculpture and ceramics at Kingston Art School from 1970-73. After 37 years teaching in public schools and at Brunel University Arts Centre, I left my last post as Head of Ceramics at St Leonards-Mayfield School in December, 2011 and set up my own ceramics and fused glass studio at home.

My work is concerned with the versatility of clay as a sculptural medium to capture my impressions and observations. I work on themes and through careful visual research, site visits and a desire to find out about any historical perspective, a body of sculptural work then grows.

Hastings Beach Tractors and Fishing Boats
I was inspired in my work by the coastal area area around Hastings, East Sussex on the south coast of England, it's old industries, people and traditions. I loved exploring the beach area where fishing has taken place for hundreds of years.
Most visitors attention is drawn to the boats, but last year I was captivated by the rusty, battered old agricultural bulldozers that litter the beach area. These beach tractors are used to push the boats into the sea off the shingle beach. Later on in the day, when the boats return, they are hooked up and pulled safely onto the beach again. These abandoned, patched up old relics, some barely still working, reminded me of the entropy of the fishing industry that has taken place in recent times. They also seem to resonate with regard to the brevity and different life stages we experience in our own human lives.
I moved on to sculpting the different types of wooden fishing boats, some still working, other abandoned to the elements on the beach. Using clay, enabled me to capture the patterns and textures on the surfaces of the vessels, as well as their striking sculptural qualities and profiles.

Nottinghamshire and local Mining heritage
Since moving to Nottingham in December 2016 where I established a new studio. I seek fresh inspiration from the Nottinghamshire countryside and it's mining and industrial heritage. Since my father was a 'Bevin Boy' during the war I feel a strong connection with Gedling, the area where I live, which had an operating pit for 100 years.

Still making Hastings Fishing Boats and Beach Tractors despite living in landlocked Nottinghamshire.
They obviously left a strong impression on me.