The work plays with the nurturing associations of textiles by juxtaposing beauty with repulsion and contrasting innocence with iniquity.
A second body of work exploring duplicity and trickery, takes inspiration from the ideas expressed in Sigmund Freud’s essay the Uncanny (1919); where ‘das heimlich’ (the canny) implies something that is homely and friendly, while as a contrast ‘das unheimlich’ (the uncanny) denotes an uncomfortable, strange or alien object or experience. The normally comforting persona of children’s toys is rendered uncanny with the addition of teeth or appendages in unexpected places. The toys naivety is unrestrained by social limitation; allowing them to fulfil taboo oedipal desires, as they interbreed to create bizarre hybrids; while their perverted thoughts reveal themselves as peculiar physical manifestations.
Qualifications (selected)
B.A. Honours Fine Art (First Class), Chichester University
Diploma of H.E. Stitched Textiles (Distinction), East Berkshire College, Windsor
Certificate of H.E. Textile Design, Huddersfield University
City & Guilds Part 1 & 2 Embroidery
Teaching Qualifications
C&G Level 4 – (PTLLS) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
Current Studies
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) - Professional Certificate
Membership of Professional Bodies
Studying Membership of the CIM
Prizes
The Hayes Prize 2009, awarded by Chichester University for academic excellence in the Visual and Performing Arts
Exhibitions
2011 - Sacred and Profane, Alton Abbey
2011 - Brent Salon des Arts -
The Gallery at Willesden Green, London
2011 - Parallax AF - La Galleria, Pall Mall, London
2011 - 10 Gales Prize, 10 Gales Gallery, Bethnel Green,
London
2010 - FromONE, Acquire Gallery, London
2010 - The Uncanny, Harvey Gallery, Guildford
2009 - Dreams and Nightmares, West End Centre,
Aldershot
2009 - Freedom, Forge Needle Museum, Redditch
2009 - Degree show, ArtOne, Chichester University
2009 - In House, Pallant House, Chichester
2008 - The Portsmouth Open, City Museum
2008 - Tactile Textiles, Red House Museum, Christchurch
2008 - The Studios, Art Van Go, Knebworth
2008 - Open Exhibition, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery
2008 - Hatch, Otter Gallery, Chichester University
2007 - Diploma Show, East Berkshire College, Windsor