I was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland where I trained as a teacher. Art was always my first love and so I attended evening classes at the Edinburgh College of Art and enrolled at the Open University. After immigrating to British Columbia, I obtained my Masters Degree in Art Education from the University of Victoria and continued to teach elementary students until my retirement in 2005.
For the past few years I have attended many art workshops and been inspired by several renowned artists - Pat San Soucie, Maxine Masterfield, Gerald Brommer, to name but a few. As an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, I have exhibited in many juried shows and in 2007 was presented with an award of excellence for one of my collages. Pieces of my work are in private collections in Nanaimo, Vancouver and the United Kingdom.
Inspiration for making art comes primarily from nature; the architecture of rock formations, the movement of water, the diversity of plant form, and the way shadow and light create mystery.
My art is abstract and expressionist enabling me to convey my passions and perceptions. To help me see beyond the surface and recall feelings at the moment of seeing, I may first photograph or sketch a scene or object. I then enjoy building rich, textured collages with acrylic media and a variety of other materials. The intuitive lines and marks I make on a collaged surface also help me create art that is spontaneous and joyful.
My objective is to share my feelings, experience and perceptions, while imparting enough mystery for the viewer to explore, interpret and respond to the image in his/her own way.
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