Tell us a little about what you make?
I’ve been working with stained glass for over 30 years, and I design and make stained glass panels, lamps and clocks. I also make wirework sculptures for the garden and some driftwood sculptures, if the mood takes me.
What inspires you and where do you find that inspiration?
I find inspiration in everything, from nature to my favourite classic artists. I’m heavily influenced by my favourite period of design, the art nouveau era; also nature is a big influence in my craft.
Tell us about your favourite medium.
I love glass to the point of obsession. Glass is, for me, a very versatile medium, especially using the Tiffany technique, which allows me to capture the level of detail I like.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of being an artist or maker?
My favourite aspect of being an artist is when a thought or idea I conceive in my head, translates into something physical and beautiful. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so this can be my least favourite at times.
What does being a member of the Ceredigion Art and Craft Trail mean to you?
It’s a new chapter for me with the Ceredigion Art and Craft Trail, so I’m fairly excited to see what challenges it will bring. The sense of community it has brought so far is a positive aspect and to nurture this aspect would be a benefit.
How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist/maker?
I think it tends to balance itself. I love to work and can be totally wrapped up in a project, until it reaches it’s conclusion. I try to get all my chores done and dusted first, because when I step into my workshop, the rest of the world vanishes.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m just about to start a stained glass lampshade which I hope will be spherical when it’s finished. It’s sitting as an image in my head, now to design the pattern. I’m also thinking about the design for a small window panel in my house.
How do you know when your work is finished?
I decide it’s finished when the physical item on my bench, matches the concept in my head.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist/maker?
I think the biggest challenge for me is that I’m very self-critical of my work. Others can see it and love it, but if I am not happy with the result, I will start again from scratch.
