
Awards
Selection for Origin London, Scottish Arts Council Development Grant, Selected for Crafts Council Photostore
Castle Douglas
Kirkcudbrightshire
Associations
Applied Arts Scotland, Visual Arts Scotland, Scottish Basketmakers' Circle
I make contemporary sculptural baskets inspired by the shapes and forms in nature.
Some of the work is functional; bowls and vases woven using a random interlacing technique, which I have developed over many years.
Other work is purely sculptural, spheres and nest-like forms, made in such a way that allows the inherent qualities in the materials to show themselves.
I use local materials that I gather in the hedgerows or grow myself in nearby fields. This includes coppiced hazel, ash, larch, heather and about 20 varieties of willow. Sometimes I include seed heads or pods of wild materials that reflect the Scottish landscape where I live and work.
I have become known for the spheres that I make. Some of the spheres are bigger than me, and are planted outside so that they become a living entity, the new growth woven back into the sphere each winter.
Recently my work has become a form of expression that is more personal; 'Three sisters', for example, was created when my father died, other work has been inspired by places, poets and writers such has 'Kinraddie'.
Each piece I make is unique, often with a fine delicate look yet curiously strong and firm to touch. I see my work as 'reminders' of the intense beauty and pleasure of nature.