Tell us a little about what you make?
I’m an Visual Artist, teacher and basket maker. I make baskets & containers from Willow & Rush. Sometimes I also make sculptural forms in Willow.
What inspires you and where do you find that inspiration?
The natural world has always inspired me and I love working with natural materials and responding to the different qualities of colour, texture and strength.
I find it very satisfying to use natural materials sourced from our environment and to craft objects that are not only functional, but beautiful and unique. I’m very keen to encourage other people to find pleasure in using their hands to create.
As an artist I am generally moved by the intense connections humans make to places and often explore this in 2D through an interpretation of maps, pathways and journeys.
Tell us about your favourite medium.
That’s hard, as it varies, right now I’m enthused about the prospect of doing some print- making.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of being an artist or maker?
The most favourite is never being at a loss for something to do.
The least favourite is the requirement to be a salesperson as well as a maker/creator.
What does being a member of the Ceredigion Art and Craft Trail mean to you?
An opportunity to be part of the creative community and to reach a wider audience.
How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist/maker?
That is always hard. Short answer is: I manage it imperfectly!
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m planning to make a series of baskets shaped like seed pods. I am also about to spend a week re-visiting printmaking, something I haven’t done in recent years, so I’m excited about that.
How do you know when your work is finished?
When it says enough now!
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist/maker?
Feeling one has to justify oneself as relevant.
What advice would you give to new artists or makers at the start of their creative journey?
Don’t give up at the first hurdle. Be open to ideas that are different to one’s own, embrace life and keep making!
