I am so fortunate to have my studio  in the garden of my home in Ledbury. The importance of space to work cannot be over emphasised for any artist – a place to think and develop ideas as well as making finished pieces. Although Life and Community feeds our art, we usually need a place that is ours alone as a retreat, as well as a workshop.  After spending time in the studio making work, we may see the world and situations differently…….a shift of focus that comes from expressing what we feel.

For many years, my paintings, collages and prints were visual memories, relating to the shifting moods and atmosphere experienced when visiting ancient buildings and sacred places in the landscape that are somehow set apart.    The paintings were made from memory, reflecting the season in which they were painted.

More recently my work has focused sharply on ideas around memory -  how memories are stored, linked, modified and organised.

I was pleased to meet Professor Malcolm Thurlby when he gave a lecture at Hereford cathedral last night to coincide with the launch of the new edition of his book The Herefordshire School of Romanesque Sculpture, which is essential reading for anyone interested in the subject. Professor Thurlby gave a splendid talk focusing on the link between images of The School,  paying particular regard to sculpture in Hereford Cathedral. I was able to give Professor Thurlby a copy of my book Kilpeck and the Romanesque in Herefordshire which is my personal response in visual images, often sketchbook pages  of this fascinating sculpture from the twelfth century.

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I have just registered for h’Art, which is Herefordshire’s open studio event in  September……  a long time now to plan for the event . I chose a recent painting from my new series about crows for the brochure.

After picking up two paintings from the R.W.A. Open exhibition, I was pleased to deliver them to the Applestore Gallery in Hereford, along with nine more, selected from my series  about memory.  The work is about reminiscence rather than nostalgia and I strive to capture a moment in time  as we remember an experience from the past. The exhibition entitled “Third Servings ” continues until the 23rd February and the gallery is closed on Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday.

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So relieved so my book is selling so well from galleries and bookshops. After ten years of research and selecting images from my work about the sculpture and the times in which it was produced, it was with some trepidation that I awaited the response from the public……

Deciding on which paintings to submit for Selection for the Royal West of England Academy Autumn Show. I need three from my current Meeting series.

Time to Remember – Introducing Reminiscence and Art activities into Elderly care

During my employment by the Royal forest of Dean College, when I brought opportunities for Art and reminiscence activities to older people in care homes and centres, I produced a user friendly book, for care assistants and others working in the field. I was able to draw on my earlier experience as a trained nurse, to plan and co-ordinate age appropriate activities for all who do this important work and those they care for. The book has been available via mail order catalogues etc.  but is now available via this website on the Reminiscence book page.

Three paintings accepted for the Hereford Open.

The exhibition is held from 8th September at Hereford city Gallery and Museum as part of h’Art

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The Meeting 3    20×20 cm Acrylic

My new book, about the Herefordshire school of Romanesque sculpture has arrived  and  is available to buy from this website on the Kilpeck page, using Paypal, or from bookshops and galleries.