I have been fortunate, I’ve been able to study and work at two of my great passions. Art and Genealogy. Having first gained a Fine Art Degree, I then went on to complete an MA in Fibre Art before embarking on a MSc in Genealogical Studies. Since then I have indulged both, if but independently. My many hats! Having spent many years as a freelance arts tutor, delivering primarily drawing courses/workshops and as a genealogical researcher, a recent shift has meant I’ve been able to explore bringing these two hats together. Experimenting with ways of visualising a genealogical research.

‘I am interested in where the documentary evidence leads us. A specific record can enable us to re-trace the steps an ancestor took. To walk in their ghostly shoes!’

‘Science proves that we each carry a part of those who went before along with us. They are part of our physical and psychological make up.’

Taking a line of enquiry through a range of techniques to investigate a concept. I collage to sketch out ideas, often taking these further into other processes, mainly monoprinting and a variety of intaglio printing techniques. Though I do love a collagraph plate! I like to create book forms as I find this a great way to aid analysis and visualisation. They often speak in ways a two dimensional form would struggle with.

Like most creatives I observe and collect. I have trays of treasures, a veritable hodgepodge of items. These inspire and creep into my work from time to time! I’m often distracted by the idea of how a ‘treasure’ can play its part in a piece.

I work from a lovely studio on the south coast, in Fareham, Hampshire.