About

Drawing from, with and together is at the core of my practice. A practice that responds to an emerging need for different approaches to living. Over extended periods I embed myself in sites or landscapes and consider how people's “imaginations demonstrate a freedom over the determinations of nature and society.” My ambition is to represent how communities cope, imagine and acclimatise at a time of stress. This approach sees me supporting and revealing unique practical and often radical responses. I call these “improvised architectures” and they range from the Fens, to coastal plotlands, parks, houses made from boats, marginalised neighbourhoods, asylum seeker holding centres and cities like Venice or Hull. I undertake people-centred research which may result in drawings, photo, prints, projections, curated events, workshops, community development and exhibitions….

The work begins in the personal encounters, conversations, interventions, workshops and archival research I initiate. This person-centred, site-responsive, approach allows for a deep connection resulting in varied outcomes. Much of this work sees me co-producing outcomes with individuals, groups, artists, curators and academics and builds on 25 years of working in communities exploring how meaningful opportunities to get involved with great art & culture can meet people halfway. I have been commissioned by organisations such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Museum of English Rural Life, Manchester Met University, University of Reading, 14/18 Now, Leeds Art Gallery, TATE, Metal Peterborough, Hull City of Culture, Welcome Collection and the British Council.

I lead and curate The Notice Board a contemporary visual art project showcasing the work of international artists in 2 public venues in Uffington, Lincolnshire. Featuring month-long exhibitions on the theme The Lands of the Free? the project aims to connect audiences to the work of artists whilst offering unusual alternative sites for artist to showcase work. The sites are a A2 sized Notice Board and a Flag Pole hosted in my garden.

Recent and ongoing work includes commissions: Who Cares?/A centre of Attention Lakeland Arts, Cumbria to develop a co-produced artwork with Abbott Hall Gallery staff, local individuals and community organisations. Dr Harriet Rowley of MMU is the project partner; Peterbrough Presents: My true intent is all for your delight resulting in a series of 20 large-scale flags, developed with 2 communities, to be sited across the city during the summer of 2019; an extended Residency at Foundation B.a.d in Rotterdam; Being from Knowing, a year long investigation into 4 sites in Eastern England funded by ACE; Artist Investigator for Brignall Trust, Hull, You Complete Me for MERL University of Reading and The Wellcome Collection, Leap of Faith for Yorkshire Sculpture Park and 14/18 Now. I always loved you you just didnt see it at Bromley House Library and Five Leaves bookshop Nottingham.

A chapter I've written features in the new book Reimagining Rurality and in 2017 I was part of Migrations International Residency and received a St Hugh’s Foundation award.

Other notable recent work includes:

Shortlisted Artist. John Ruskin Drawing Prize. 2019

Why Drawing Now? Co-authored article, Journal of Arts & Communities,

Drawing commission. University of Nottingham / Glaxo Smith Kline

Drawing Paper #8. Guest Editor.

Off-site commission. Leeds Art Gallery and British Art Show

ING Discerning Eye. Finalist. Drawing Bursary. Mall Galleries. London.

New Printmakers. Clifford Chance, Canary Wharf. London

Conran Foundation Winners. Festival of Design. Conran Building. London