For many years I’ve called Southampton home, and I’m continually inspired by the city’s rich history and vibrant cultural mix. I am a long-standing member of the Keepers Artists Collective, a group of dedicated artists working actively to promote the visual arts in Southampton.
As a multidisciplinary artist, I am always pushing my practice towards new horizons. My work spans traditional 2D painting, 3D sculptures using recycled materials, and digital art installations. I believe in never standing still and am constantly striving to evolve.
My work has been exhibited widely across the region and internationally, in galleries, cultural venues, conferences and special screenings in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. I have also completed several residencies, working alongside scientists in this country and abroad.
While I don’t yet consider myself an established artist, I am proud of the breadth of my exhibition history.
My creative process is a dynamic conversation – with my work, with other artists and with the public. I believe it is nearly impossible for an artist to be isolated from the outside world. I frequently collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, especially scientists and engineers. This exchange of ideas is a powerful two-way process that often leads to unexpected and interesting results, challenging me to adapt my practice on the fly.
Sustainability is a core focus of my work. I’m passionate about upcycling and showing how discarded items can have a life beyond a single use. Artists throughout history have been excellent recyclers, and I enjoy continuing this tradition. By transforming unwanted materials into beautiful creations, I hope to inspire others and demonstrate what can be achieved through creativity and ingenuity.
I am particularly interested in moving beyond traditional gallery spaces to reach new audiences. Having spent time in hospitals, I’ve seen first-hand how art can have a powerful, positive impact on a patient’s recovery and wellbeing. I enjoy working on public art projects that allow people to literally stumble upon artwork, be surprised and be inspired without necessarily realising it’s an artistic experience. My ultimate goal is to inspire people to embrace their own creativity and use art as a tool for connection and self-expression.
As part of the recent Pub Cultures project, I produced a piece called Anchors Aweigh for The Ship Inn, Redbridge.
As an artist interested in making an impact in the community, it was an excellent opportunity for me to create an artwork with a strong sense of place.
After researching the pub’s history and conducting workshops with staff and patrons, I created a rich, multi-layered artwork using upcycled wood and found items. The piece reflects the heritage of the place and hopefully it will become itself a part of the pub’s identity and history.
The Southampton sign on Guildhall Square is the result of a long-standing collaboration with Mettricks cafes and the owner Spencer Bowman, who has been incredibly supportive and very engaged during the entire process. Working with fellow Keepers artist and sculptor David McDiarmid (a talented artist who happens to also use a lot of recycled materials in his practice), we were given carte blanche to create an artwork for the café’s seating terrace on Guildhall Square.
We used a wide variety of found wood materials, including old piano keys, wooden blinds and scaffold planks, to construct an eight metre-long ‘Southampton’ sign.
The sign, which showcases the entire rainbow spectrum, is a rich collage inspired by the city’s multicultural heritage and diversity. It has already become a favourite photo spot during graduation week. We hope it will become a beloved backdrop for cultural events and foster a sense of civic pride.
We look forward to continuing to create similar public art projects, not only in the city centre but also in the surrounding areas to reach and inspire new audiences.