STATEMENT
Our expanding cities are in a state of flux, constantly being remade, and offered to us as an idealised, global way of living to which we should all aspire. Throughout western economies, and increasingly in the developing world, 21st Century urban life is dominated by environments which anthropologist Marc Augé identified as the 'non-space'. Typically, these are places of hospitality, of transit: the spaces we habitually navigate towards another destination. Within these places the individual is rendered anonymous, a unit of consumption to be addressed whilst we are 'on our way'. They are haunted by the Corbusian concept of the city/ house ' as a machine to live in'. Observing these environs, I am attracted to fragments of buildings seen within the landscape, manifested in shadows, reflected in adjoining surfaces: intersections of object, encounter and experience which may go unnoticed.
Though my process is materially driven - I make objects from paper, textiles, steel and aluminium - photography plays a substantial role in the development of my practice. Recent work asks whether the banal tendencies of these buildings can be redressed, via photographic practices, to impart a sense of the sublime. Conceptually - the subject of modern and super-modern architecture functions as a metaphor for human aspiration. My work interrogates this through the lens of my personal history and social mobility.
QUALIFICATIONS
MFA Fine Art Wimbledon College of Art (UAL). 2016-18
PTLLS (Preparation to teach in the lifelong learning sector) Lewisham College. 2009
Dip. Management Studies London South Bank University. 1992
BA (Hons) 2:1 Fashion. Northumbria University. 1979
SELECTED VOLUNTEERING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ROLES - some ongoing.
Jerwood Drawing Competition - art handler - administrative tasks and stacking, sorting work for acceptance and return, displaying work for the judging panel.
Southbank Centre - visitor services team leader - invigilation duties, promotion of events, tourist information, managing team rotas, reporting and dealing with front facing health & safety issues.
CRUK-Retail Assistant - cashier & visual merchandiser, stocktaking, sorting and evaluating donations, promoting awareness at fundraising events.
Sydenham Arts Festival - box office sales & event steward, community promotion duties.
Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust -visitor services/guiding, box office and sales, supervising educational visits, devising and leading family activity workshops.
Prior to commencing a masters I studied painting and printmaking at Morley College, London. My practice included self employment as a freelance designer, associate lecturing at F/E level, and running craft workshops.
I bring with me professional skills from 20 years of employment ( up to Directorship level) as a Fashion Designer and Product Developer:
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Client relationships
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Public speaking
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Time & project management
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Problem solving
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Mentoring and staff development
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Researching opportunities & product development
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Attention to detail
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Marketing & visual merchandising
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Planning and implementation of exhibitions and shows
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Writing copy for press material