Artist’s Statement – My lifelong fascination for the natural world has found its expression in my art, creating forms and images which communicate my appreciation of its beauty and the layers of potential experience, inviting the viewer to share my encounter. Over the years I have chosen to make this journey using a variety of media, working with clay, bronze and photography, conveying my interpretations through visual representations.
As a child I was absorbed by the wildlife and plants that I encountered in my daily, rural existence. I loved to place myself close up to the little world that normally falls beneath our gaze, engrossed by the blades of grass, the insects, the ants scurrying between. Then there was the joy of planting seeds and watching them grow, flourishing and generating greater foliage, extra shoots. The pleasure of intently watching this environment gave me profound pleasure, a meaningful understanding of our interaction with this world and our dependence on it – for we are nourished and supported in so many ways, aesthetically and practically.
My activity as a photographer enabled me to take my relationship with plant and animal life to deeper levels, using zoom lenses to see structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Next the use of a macro- lens with extension tubes, and then a microscope with a digital camera revealed the macro world of finely shaped architectural forms, the perfect design of organisms, without which we would not be alive. The juxtaposition of the demands of the practical with the experience of pleasure – appealing, captivating, essential for survival – pollen grains which fertilise flowers, extending and continuing flowering species, feed the bees to make honey and take a multiplicity of inspirational patterns and designs.
Since then I have been exploring a three-dimensional creation of these images through ceramic process, seeking to construct their visual potency in shapes that are both delicate and yet invite interaction, moving in to look within. The forms are made of such a size and shape that they could fit into the hand, from porcelain, a fine quality clay, so pure and fragile, just like the pollen grains. They are fired to 1260° in the kiln until vitrified, interaction with oxides causes the irregular markings.
Education
Licentiateship Society of Designer Craftsmen, 2010
BA Honours 1st Class Art & Design, Photography, Coleg Sir Gar, July 2009
Sculpture Cymru, Iron-pour, August 2006
Society of Industrial Associated Designers, 1990
Licentiateship Society of Designer Craftsmen, 1990
Higher College Diploma Ceramics, Distinction, Dyfed College of Art, July 1985
Experience
Over 29 years’ experience working in the field of Art and Design
Technician for Ceramics during this period of time for: Dyfed College of Art, Carmarthenshire College of Technology & Art, West Wales School of the Arts
Similarly, supportive role to students in a higher educational setting
Teaching in the practical arts – ceramics, glass and Photography 1988 – 2009
Familiarity with working to commissions
Photographer for College publicity material and other organisations 2008 – 2011
Photographer for Murmurs Artists 2003 – 2013
Competitions
Winner Calendar Feature Photographs Agriculture County, West Wales, (Photography) 2006, 2007, 2008
Runner-up Farmers Weekly Competition, (Photography) 2007
United Counties Show, Pembrokeshire, winner colour & best overall photo 2009,
Winner black & white & colour 2008,2007,2006, Winner black & white & best overall photo 2005, Winner colour & best overall photo 2004,2009, (Photography),
Commissions and Workshops
Young Farmers Club Templeton Ceramic Project 2012
Young Farmers Club Templeton Glass Project 2011
Community Art Project, Llanedi School Carmarthenshire, Tile Mural, (Ceramics) 2010
Community Art Project, Bewts School Carmarthenshire, Tile Mural, (Ceramics) 2010
Community Art Project, T.R.I Psychiatric Day Centre (Photography) 2008,2009,2010
Community Art Project, Hafal Psychiatric Careers Day (Photography) 2010
Commission: St Andrews Church, Narberth, (Ceramic Figures) 2005
Community Art Project, Model School Carmarthen, Tile Panel, (Ceramics) 2004
Community Art Project, Cresselly School, Pembrokeshire, Tile Mural, (Ceramics) 2003
Community Art Project, Cresselly School, Pembrokeshire, (Ceramics) 2001
Community Art Project, Haven Way Psychiatric Day Hospital, Mural Mosaic, (Ceramics) 1998
Workshop, St Clears Junior School, Carmarthenshire, (Ceramics) 1998
Workshop, Dyffryn Taf School, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, (Ceramics) 1998
Community Art Project, Haven Way Psychiatric Day Hospital, Pembrokeshire, (Ceramics) 1996 – 1998
Community Art Project, Carmarthen Council, Bus Shelter Mural, (Ceramics) 1996
Commission: Huddleston Church, Pembrokeshire, Ceramic Commemorative Plates, 1994
Commission: Marteltwy Church, Pembrokeshire, Ceramic Commemorative Plates, 1994
Commission: St John’s Church, Templeton, Pembrokeshire, Ceramic Commemorative Plates, 1993
Commission: British Museum, Mould reproduction: ‘Two Women Chatting’, (Plaster Moulds) 1992
Commission: CCTA, Carmarthenshire, Ceramic Punchbowl and Cups for export to Germany, 1992
Commission: Minwear Church, Pembrokeshire, Ceramic Commemorative Plates, 1991
Commission: Court Hendry Church, Carmarthenshire, Ceramic Commemorative Plates and Mugs, (Ceramics) 1989
Member, Pembrokeshire Craftsmen Circle, (Ceramics) 1988 – 1995
Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, (Ceramics) 1989,
Henry Thomas Gallery, Carmarthen, (Ceramics) 1989,
St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, (Ceramics) 1988, 1989,
Commission: Harmer’s Sculptures, Stoke on Trent, Ceramic Models, 1987
Llanelli Council Award, (Ceramics) 1986
Morley Gallery, Westminster, London, 1985, (Ceramics)
Collectors
International collector Adrian Sassoon
Publication
Pembrokeshire Life Magazine 2013
Pembrokeshire Life Magazine 2009