Bookbinder and Artist
I studied at the Winchester School of Art, closely followed by Post Graduate study in Book Arts and Crafts from the London College of Communication, where my passion for art bookmaking flourished. I love the form of a book and the potential and power it has. A blank book is waiting to be filled, waiting for someone to pour out their thoughts and inhabit an alternative place for a little while. All my books are entirely hand made; hand stitched where appropriate and hand finished.
I now work from my home studio space making books, mixed media assemblage and writing, whilst drinking coffee and adoring my lurcher, Elsie Spindlehound, who will be curled up, snoring at my feet. I have always been interested in storytelling and exploring the idea of the world in miniature, puppets and theatre sets or my much yearned for flea circus. *sighs dreamily.
I believe it is really important to encourage and inspire creativity in others, without judgement or exclusion. Making a handmade book is a good start, as it offers up a private space for creative experimentation and expression, be it in drawing or writing.
My creative endeavours begin with packing up our campervan Florence and venturing forth with my husband and hound. Time away is spent happily searching through vintage shops and antique markets, rescuing jewellery and interesting curiosities, fabrics and papers. I do not profess to use entirely recycled materials in my work, but it is a good start.
Then back home, I sit excitedly in my studio space, surrounded by interesting objects ready to be repurposed into a new life, such as handmade blanks books, assemblages and mixed media artworks. The aim of which - aside from being a splendid thing to do, is to actively re use and recycle materials into thoughtful, unique gifts.
My go to inspirations are Leonora Carrington, Glen Martin Taylor and Janice Lowry to name a few. I love imagery that is packed full of symbolism and motifs, and I have always loved mixing colour, texture and working with disparate materials, and I count myself incredibly lucky to be able to do this.