Recent Exhibitions
2021 Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art - Open Submission 2020 The Newbridge Project, Virtual exhibition - Third Wave Pineapple Black, Middlesbrough - Scramble Ex-Libris Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne - Insert Exhibition Title Here. 2019 Newbridge Project, Gateshead - Collective Studio Open Studios Citizens House, Durham - Processes, Conny Art Festival, Durham Base Camp, Middlesbrough - Hun Middlesbrough Art Weekender Pineapple Black, Middlesbrough - Pick 'n' Mix Mackie’s Corner, Sunderland - Body of Work (Solo) 2018 Atkinson Gallery, Somerset - MA and Other Post Graduates Shaun Project Space, Sunderland – Anthropocene (Solo) Whitestone Gallery, York – FRESH. Priestman Gallery, Sunderland – One Nineteen Nineteen: collaboration with Jessica Brown. |
Based at The NewBridge Project, Newcastle, my practice is rooted in installation, sculpture and painting, and encompasses education, social engagement, collaboration, and arts production. My work is motivated by the shifting political, ideological and socio-economic climate, ideas of the Anthropocene and the potential outcomes of our current human trajectory as viewed through the lens of a mother of two girls. I am keenly aware of the need for a paradigm shift, and through my practice, invite contemplation of the systemic failings which surround us, and the continuing need to elevate women’s voices and stories. I am interested in issues surrounding women’s labour, particularly relating to motherhood and the mental, physical and societal implications of this state. The ongoing plight of women in the workforce, and the idea of the female body as a soft, fallible, disposable machine, underpin key elements of my work.
I explore modes of practice which aim to elicit an understanding of the world in order to change it for the better. Envisioning and manifesting an ameliorate future is dependent upon our collective creativity, against the backdrop of governmental erosion of arts and culture, I aim to engage participants and viewers with creative processes which question the status quo. Changemakers are often viewed as philosophers, academics, politicians, however real change comes from the energy and will of the people, particularly young people. My work is informed by alternative approaches to creative education and engaging with families, children and young people is central to my practice. I am passionate about the development of creative thinking, exploring and making within and beyond educational contexts, and the myriad of ways that creative engagement benefits children and therefore society as a whole. Creativity is vital to galvanising change. I have been involved with the arts since graduating in Fine Art from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1996. My experience includes 15 years of art teaching and leadership across the North East of England, as well as at the New Cairo British International School, Egypt. In 2012, I moved with my family to Nashville, Tennessee, USA, where I established my own creative practice. Upon returning to the UK in 2017, I undertook a Masters Degree in Fine Art and continued to develop my practice as a member of the NewBridge Project's Collective Studio Programme in 2019-2020. I have exhibited across the North East region as well as nationally, and was awarded a Creative Development Fellowship by Sunderland Culture in 2019. I have a full enhanced DBS check and carry full Public Liability Insurance. |
