Details
Mostly ink paintings or sumi-e as the basic media are ink and paper. These are the most basic of materials yet are the most challenging as the paper is so absorbent it allows no over-painting or correction. Some say these works are created 'in the moment'. Although an actual ink painting may not take long to execute, days may be spent in striving towards a desired result, repeating the actions until the sequence of brush strokes on paper becomes as a dance involving the movement and balance of the whole body. Music in the studio can set the rhythm that directs the action.
For me it is a way of life, observing and recording, rehearsing and creating and all the while learning.
I often use the materials and techniques of ink painting, a spare and eloquent form with its roots in China and Japan. I studied and painted in Japan and China for some years and still visit there for my work. My latest return, on which I have based some these paintings, was to Japan and largely focused on Shintō shrines and icons, monuments to a faith that subtly connects the age of myth to cutting-edge modernity.
My practice extends from tiny illustrations to murals.
Freelance illustration for various publishers (Paul Norbury Publications, Ward Lock, Joellen Publications etc)
Tutor for Cumbria County Council; Higham Hall College; HF holidays; Tullie House Museum; Eden Arts; Creative Partnerships Cumbria; Brewery Arts Centre Kendal; Florence Arts Centre, Egremont
Workshops in sumie for art societies and schools
Studied under Mushin 無心先生, Shijō School (Maruyama-ha), Kyoto
Publication: The Teaching of Writing in Japan ISBN 0 7049 0478 0
Post-graduate student, Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art
BA (Hons) Fine Art, University of Reading
2021
Netherby Hall, Exhibition in series of music / art collaborations with Noriko Ogawa norikoogawa.co.uk absoluteclassics.co.uk
2020
Exhibiting artist with Eden Valley Artistic Network, Penrith edenvalleyartisticnetwork.co.uk
Cumbria Open 2020 Upfront Gallery, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith www.up-front.com
2019
Making Space (lead artist in ink painting for artists affected by mental health issues), Tullie House, Carlisle tulliehouse.co.uk
Summer Exhibition, The Lake Artists Society, Grasmere, Cumbria
Solo exhibition, Upfront Gallery, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith (Japan-UK Season of Culture)
Netherby Hall, Longtown, Cumbria netherbyhall.co.uk aboluteclassics.co.uk
Upfront Gallery Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith up-front.com
Northern Lights Gallery, Keswick, Cumbria northernlightsgallery.co.uk
