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​In 2020 when I took all my courses online the focus of my work changed. I built upon my in-person workshops and the focus became the sketchbook as the central part of developing unique and original ideas. My online courses share this love of the sketchbook for connecting to self and 'the source' and creating a foundation for developing a strong creative voice - whatever the final outcome.
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I began to use my sketchbook more and in that space found I was interpreting the landscapes that had captivated me for so long with a more mark based interpretation of what is around me. This rendered itself in an excitement with more abstract shapes and gestural mark.
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When I started to run workshops to share my mixed media techniques I realised that lots of people have lost a joy of drawing because of all the 'shoulds' attached to it. In my workshops I try to liberate your inner artist to play, explore and find a personal, visual way of expressing your relationship to that which we see.
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Drawing in a sketchbook creates a space to collect ideas and to make images without worrying about a final outcome. My mantra is 'Real not perfect'!
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I now teach online and in person so you can learn with me wherever you are!
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In order to find creative flow you have to allow room for growth. There is a vulnerability as some ideas work and others don't. There is a back and forth trying new ideas, never sure if they will be as good as you want them to be, or good in the eyes of others. There is the dance with the art materials, with the mood, with the idea of what it is to be an artist.
My studio wall always gives a good indication of where I am headed. I am making stronger marks, the work is getting bolder and bigger.
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I am working on new landscapes and going back to basics with drawing. My sketchbook pages are getting bolder. I am finding it easier to work with a reduced palette whilst I focus on shape and texture development.
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I am enjoying working with ink, chalk, Stabilo Woodies, Inktense blocks and charcoal as well as with mono-type. Collage is still a go-to media to work in as it lends itself to building layers and gives me scope to play with pattern and texture.
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The symbols of nature continue to fascinate me but in a bolder and more naive way.