My work as an artist.
The wild spaces of Lakeland have a special quality of light that can only be seen in weather conditions that change by the minute, not only does it evoke feelings of exposure to the elements, there is a feeling of well being at the same time. My work has evolved from an ability to sketch quickly in these rapidly changing conditions, allowing the eye to become selective: seeing the key elements that drew me to that particular moment, the essence of the place. I never set out with a definite plan, like the constantly changing landscape, my work makes use of many layers, encouraging the viewer to see something new each time it is viewed. The simplicity of time spent in the hills clears the mind, the land and light become easier to see and the environment becomes closer. This raw experience forms an important part in the development of my work.
I live in the area and have been very fortunate to spent most of my life here. The immediate landscape of rough hillside and rock, a “back garden” has become a key influence for my work, and has inspired me to investigate the use of paint, mixed media and textures to translate the fundamental nature of the place. I graduated in 1998 from the University of Central Lancashire gaining a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. During this period I explored printmaking and experimental photography, quickly developing a desire to explore texture and expression within these medias.
Exhibitions
Wilder Lakes – The National Trust Heelis Building – Hawkshead – 2024
Peat Light – The Landscapes of Assynt and Beyond – Gairloch Museum – 2018
Kendal Mountain Festival – Wild Weather – 2017
The Mountain Festival – Braemar – 2017
SMALL2016 – Artspace – Kendal – 2016
Kendal Mountain Festival 2016
‘A day in the hills’ – Mountain Arts Festival – Rheged – 2016
‘Truth and Terrain’ – Kendal Mountain Film Festival – 2015
‘Mountains’ – Bank Street Gallery – Kirriemiur – 2014
‘Views’ The Loovre Gallery – Kirkby Lonsdale. February 2014
SMALL2013 – Mill Yard Studio – Staveley.
SMALL2012 – Mill Yard Studio – Staveley
SPRINGsprung – Mill Yard Studio, Staveley – 2012
The Yurt Gallery, Rydal Hall – 2012
Four – Mill Yard Studio – Staveley 2011
SMALL2010 – Mill Yard Studio – Staveley 2010 – 2011
Brantwood – Coniston 2010
Di Rollo Gallery – Edinburgh 2009 – 2010
The Fringe Festival – Edinburgh 2009
The Yurt Gallery – Rydal Hall 2009
“Leading to Landscapes” – Gatefoot Gallery, Staveley 2008
“50 Mile” – The Bleach House, Ulverston 2008
“Peatlight” – The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool 2008
National Mountaineering Exhibition – Rheged 2008
Lowick Community Learning Centre 2007
Coniston Water Festival 2006
“Place” – Kendal Museum 2005
“Fell” – Orton 2005
Kendal Mountain Film Festival 1999
International Climbing Competition, Birmingham 1999
Private commissions.