Welcome to my website which is here as a platform to share both my own batik work and that of my many students.
My art journey began at 16 when I went left mainstream school to start a 2 year Foundation in Art at the local art school. I undertook a 3 year Diploma Art course. These 5 years gave me a grounding in a wide range of media including sculpture, ceramics, screen printing, painting in oils, print making and Batik.
The first 20 years of my career were in mainstream and special school art teaching in Bristol, Wisconsin (USA) and Bath.
I worked for Creative Education, delivering one day professional development courses across England and Wales and am an art tutor for Bath College delivering adult community courses across the Cam and Somer Valleys. These have included Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Timsbury, Farrington Gurney and in Bath for: Julian House, Childrens Services, St Johns Hospital Foundation and The Stroke Association.
I am an artist and art educator and a passionate believer in unlocking the potential of every person that enrols on my courses. I have been working alongside adults, young people and children for many years, both in and out of educational settings. My gallery shows a selection of both adult and children batik pieces that show the fantastic range of creative ideas that can be produced in batik, mostly designed by complete beginners.
I have been the education officer for the International Batik Guild (see website links) for several years. The Batik Guild have held 2 AGM weekends here in my studio at Paulton Engine 9 miles south of Bath (see photos).
I have been a member of The Cam Valley Arts Trail for 4 years and am now also a member of the committee. I have offered free and paid Batik workshops every year as well as exhibiting my own Batiks in my wonderful studio at paulton Engine.
My courses over the last several years have been working through the media of Batik. I will also be offering courses on Exploring Photography; Exploring Screen Printing; Exploring Drawing Through Training your Right Brain.
Whether you have ideas that you want to realise or are looking for inspiration, Batik Exploration will enable you to start where you are and will move you at your own pace, to be inspired.
Absolute beginners are very welcome as well as the more experienced. You will receive all the attention that you feel that you need.
The Batik Exploration workshop will guide you through the unique process of learning to draw with hot wax, and using vibrant Procion dyes to complete your design.
