Artist's Statement:

I first experienced printmaking on my parents' kitchen table at the age of two, alongside my father, who was always drawing plans for his next DIY or building project. I printed from potatoes and leaves, followed by lino-cuts at primary school. My mother encouraged 3D, creativity and a love of nature. I have drawn since I could hold a stick of chalk, was an inquisitive child and needed 'occupying'- if idle I could misbehave, chatter too much and ask too many unanswerable questions! I have not changed much...

I find Green Door an invaluable, friendly and efficient facility, Anna, Pan and guest tutors most helpful, and my co-members an inspiration in themselves. Opportunities to exhibit as a member are an added bonus and there is a real sense of creative community here.

I am not a patient person, so it's surprising that I find the ritualistic methods and different stages of the printmaking processes so comforting, but this artform is so addictive. I often work from 'inspiration' so output is erratic. Some of my best work has been produced at times of anguish. Now feeling happy and settled, it is challenging to find ideas not aided by 'angst'! Grasping an obsession or project is useful (eg Bakum Lodge, since demolished) but I still have periods of floundering - 'artists block'. Learning a new technique and experimentation helps. I believe learning is a life-long process and the Green Door courses are brilliant.