My story
I have always been drawn to art and design in all its forms. Creativity has been a constant thread throughout my life, shaping not only what I do, but who I am. Although my path was not a conventional one, I was fortunate to complete my BA just as I turned 40 — an achievement that felt both deeply personal and transformative. Choosing to pursue life as an artist at that stage came with its challenges. Establishing myself later in life meant building confidence, credibility, and financial stability all at once.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, I created my own. I opened studios and eventually shops to showcase and sell my work, carving out a space where my creativity could thrive. Those years were filled with long hours, constant production, and the drive to sustain a professional practice. My glass work became my mainstay for many years — a medium that allowed me to experiment with light, colour, and form in exciting and expressive ways.
Now, as I move closer to retirement, my relationship with my work has shifted. I no longer feel the need to work tirelessly or to produce large bodies of work on a strict schedule. Instead, I find myself drawn back to pottery — returning full circle to one of my earliest creative loves. This time, however, the approach is different. I want to explore the medium more thoughtfully and patiently, to truly understand and enjoy the tactile qualities of clay. Working with ceramics allows me to slow down, to breathe, and to reconnect with the simple pleasure of shaping something with my hands. There is something deeply grounding about the weight, movement, and responsiveness of clay that feels both calming and revitalising.Although I have stepped away from glass for now, my love of artistic expression remains as strong as ever. I still paint and draw, and I continue to explore different forms of creativity with curiosity and enthusiasm. Art is not something I can set aside — it is an essential part of how I experience the world.
Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my wonderful family. Their encouragement has sustained me through the risks, the long hours, and the inevitable challenges of building a creative career. I am especially grateful to my husband, Steve, whose belief in me has been constant and generous. Without that support, none of this would have been possible.