Biography
Born and raised in Edinburgh, I have always been a ‘maker’, building and crafting in wood, metal, glass and leatherwork and deeply interested in movement of the human form via dance and circus skills. Retiring five years ago after 40 years in the corporate world I have been studying with Leith School of Art (LSA), in 2019/20 the figure course, 2019 transcribing the masters, 2021 artistic anatomy, 2022 full time painting course which has been excellent development. Following a move to Aberfeldy where I have my studio, I also attend the Yellow House studio class.
Artist Statement
The sculptural quality of oil paint is fascinating for me, I love its texture, viscosity and feel. I am developing my skill and practice by continually mixing and laying out colour, engaging in the material, finding line, tone and shape by pushing, pulling, adding, and removing it from the canvas in an never ending experiment. Often using glazes, linseed oil, turpentine and various painting implements.
I find themes, concepts and ideas from various sources including past work experience, family history and old photographs where I combine and build new compositions. I look for schisms in what may have been acceptable in the past and not so today.
I aim for my paintings to be visceral, evocative and slightly odd and dystopian. With areas unresolved and ambiguous in order to create interest.
Awards/Exhibtion
2025: Exhibited at Scottish Society of Artists, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2024: Exhibited at Visual Arts Scotland Centenary Exhibition, Dalkeith Palace
2024: Exhibited at Royal Scottish Academy Summer Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2024: Exhibited at Visual Arts Scotland Centenary Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
2024: Exhibited at the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour at the Royal Scottish Academy
2023: Long listed for the Scottish Landscape Awards
2022/23/24/25: OpenEye Gallery Edinburgh Small Works Exhibition
2021: Shortlisted for The Scottish Portrait Awards, exhibiting in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Carlisle.
2020: Figure course Leith School of Art class prize
2019: Figure course Leith School of Art class prize.