About my art work
I make original handmade collages with a tactile fusion of textures, layers and materials. My artistic craftmanship is infused throughout the collage.
Most of my life I would've told you that I was a self taught artist and truly I believe we are all self taught to a point or are we?
Because I've watched hundreds if not thousands of other people making art. Some of their techniques I've taken on board creating a huge cognitive collage of ideas, techniques and skills!
That said, in my fifties I studied for a BA (Hons) Fine Art at Derby University between 2012 and 2015. An enjoyable time of experimentation with new materials and techniques. Focusing my final year on curious biomorph sculptures. And of course stuffing lots of pieces to my "cognitive collage brain."
After my time in Derby I turned my practice towards collage, especially towards the art of surrealism which underlies my collaging.
I am fascinated by the limitless possibilities of paper and its transformative potential.
My work revolves around exploring a diverse array of paper types, from delicate handmade sheets of Mulberry papers to vibrant tissue paper.
Each piece of paper carries its own unique character, offering subtle differences in texture, weight.
The techniques I learnt whilst sculpting have had a direct and distinct effect of the layering, tearing, cutting, and altering of surfaces which enable me to create a dynamic interplay of textures that bring depth and movement to my collages. My experimental approach allows me to push the boundaries of traditional collage and transform paper into evocative works of art.
Every paper chosen is with intention to create a celebration of transformation of an entirely new visual experience.