Maker of beguiling, sensory, space-shifting, tunnel books and seductive scenography that offer portals into other spaces and experiences. Using peepholes, pop-ups, tantalizing dioramas and theatrical vistas, I draw the viewer deeper into the story. What is beneath the surface and around the corner? Just out of sight or hidden? My work uses this visual journeying into the cut-through, layered page, hiding and revealing as the work is handled, viewed and explored.
I also make one-off, oil painted pieces and publish small edition hand-bound and printed books.
Artist in Residence at a women's prison in Surrey, in association with Watts Gallery, and funded by the Michael Varah Memorial Fund (MVMF).
Surrey Artist of the Year 2021 finalist.
Work is held in the Tate and V&A library collections.
Drawing & Illustration tutor, delivering artist-led workshops engaging the elderly, families, children, people with dementia, blind children and at-risk teenagers.
I am an inclusive and participatory artist with engagement and social impact at the core of my practice.
1986-7 John Cass (drawing & printmaking) 1987-1991 Chelsea School of art and design BA hons fine art/painting 1991-2 London University, Institute of Education PGCE, 1992-8 London College of Printmaking (part of UAL) Bookbinding.
Exhibitions
Society of Bookbinders London Book Arts Day June 2024
‘Making Waves’ an exhibition of Artists’ books Upright Gallery Edinburgh December 2023
Surrey Artist Open Studios, SAL at the Harvey Gallery. Group show June 2023 (also curated)
Surrey Artist Open Studios, SAL at the Harvey Gallery. Group show June 2022 (also curated)
‘Wild Surrey’. The Lightbox Surrey May 2022
Society of Bookbinders ‘London Book Arts Day’ April 2022
Nature Works An exhibition of artist books from over 30 artists. The Upright Gallery Edinburgh December 2022
‘Bristol Artist's Book Event’ (BABE') April 2021 with an artist talk as part of the ‘Collections Corner’ programme.
Surrey Artist of the Year 2021 New Ashgate Gallery September - November 2021
Surrey Artists Open Studios June 2021
Makings: Print, Ink, Clay’ Adams Gallery February 13th - May 24th 2021 at Adams Gallery.
Publications & Commissions
2024 Wildlife Trusts Magazine Summer 2024
2022 Artists Book Year Book
2019 by the Bristol Art Library to make ‘The Amazing Love Circus’.
2019 Artists Book Year Book
2016 Psychologies Magazine
2015 ‘Words’ Artist’s Page Blue Note Book
Curatorial accomplishments
2023 ‘Our Time’ HMP Send. A pioneering exhibition of artists both currently in custody and those who were in the group but are now through the gates leading new lives. As part of the exhibition and the social enterprise of the group, postcards, a calendar and notecards were also sold alongside the work made for this unique, in-prison exhibition open by invitation to members of the public over 2 days in June. Visit the Michael Varah Memorial Fund for more details on how to support this programme.
2022 & 2023 Surrey Open Studios showcase of tutor and student work at the Harvey Gallery
2019 & 2021 Our Time HMP Send
2019 Best in Class tutor showcase Harvey Gallery Guildford
2018 Show Us - tutor showcase Harvey Gallery Guildford
2017 ‘Our Time’ the first exhibition of prisoner’s work in a prison with invited members of the public able to meet the artists and see their work. Supported by the MVMF the Michael Varah Memorial Fund
2016 Prisoner’s Books UWE Bristol
Collections
Victoria and Albert Museum National Art Library
The Tate Gallery library
Winchester School of Art
Edinburgh College of Art
Cardiff Metropolitan University
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Wexford Arts Centre Ireland
‘Volumes (of vulnerability)’ Gefn Press has sold to a number of national and international collections (including State Library of Queensland, Mills College California, University of Lousiana, University of Wisconsin). My book was part of that ‘collection’.
Work also held in private collections.