I live in Cullercoats which is a fishing village and place for tourist visitors on the Northumberland coast of the UK. Nearby are the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland that have contributed to the maritime history of the north east coast as well as to other histories of the region. I am fascinated by sites that reflect the lives and occupations of people whether by their history or by their relationship to signs of change in modern life.
In my quest for these sites and my interest in their emergence through human involvement I discover something of myself, of my origin and connections to places and lived experiences. This is an ever widening journey between towns, cities, rivers and over sea. Unusual railway stations, public houses, bridges, public walkways and parks, river views and places of public life are some of the sites I use to form inspiration for my ongoing projects. Use of colour and imaginative interpretation are the distinctive elements that help to define my images in oil or acrylic paint.
I was born near Durham city but my more distant past is linked to the town of Hartlepool and the city of Edinburgh through my grandparents. Family research has revealed older links to other places and occupations with some interesting insights. After a career in teaching and an eight year gap to look after my family I completed an Honours Degree in Fine Art at the University of Northumbria. In 2005 I completed a Masters Degree in Fine Art at Sunderland University. Since 2006 I have exhibited singly and with other artists in venues such as art galleries, art fairs, shops, restaurants and other and public places.