I am a watercolour and mixed media artist currently working in Sheffield. I also teach regular art classes to adults in Sheffield and across the Peak District, covering a wide variety of painting and drawing techniques.

I studied first on an Art Foundation course in which I gained a Distinction and then a three year degree in Textile Art, specifically Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University.

From this I went on to work for an interior designer making and installing soft furnishings and paint effects. My interest in this and ecological design lead me to first research and then set up my own business in ecological paints and fabrics; The Whole Space.  I undertook interior design projects in homes around Manchester using hand coloured ecologically sound paints, producing murals and paint effects and using reclaimed, organic or sustainable fabrics to create soft furnishings. My studio was based at the Manchester Environmental Resource Centre Initiative (MERCi) where I became involved in the refurbishment of their large old mill in Ancoats using ecologically sound materials.

I gradually began to teach, it’s something that creeps up on you slowly! Firstly in interior design and then painting and drawing courses. I worked for a Continuing Education Service and became the Senior Tutor for first the Arts Curriculum and then the whole of the Informal Learning area, helping to manage a large programme of  adult courses in all things from cookery to history to jewellery making! I undertook and passed my PGCE and became more and more passionate about finding ways to help people unlock their creativity and gain confidence in their own art work.

Now I  run my own classes and have in the last few years carved out time to start creating and exhibiting my own work again. I learn from teaching just as much as my students learn from me! Its a constantly evolving journey but I have always followed my passion for creating beautiful things and my influences have remained the same throughout: bright colour, capturing the quality of light and trying to come somewhere close to producing anything half as wonderful as nature itself! I love the journey I am on and I hope I can pass on just a little of what I love through my art work and in my teaching.