Artist's Statement
I graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1987 with a BA(Hons) Degree in Ceramics. From 1988-1993 I was a member of The Dalhousie Lane Potters’ Studios, Glasgow, before moving to Dumfries in 1994. I am currently based in the Kilncraft Studios at Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries.
I have been a practicing ceramic artist for over thirty years and have always tried to maintain a playful approach to clay, allowing the material to be evident through torn edges, cracks, texture and surface, enjoying the random, organic quality this brings. The work must always have integrity at its core and the material itself, be clearly manifest in the finished work. I enjoy making pots and “the potness of the pot”; something to be handled and appreciated, in a tactile sense, not just through an aesthetic eye. I remain fascinated by the same themes, the interplay between positive and negative space, the layering and distressing of surface, the unpredictable and the accidental. These are constants in my work.
As well as continuing to work with clay, I have, over the last few years, diversified into 2D Mixed Media, repurposing old metal shelves, wooden pallets, anything with an interesting surface that can be modified and developed. Techniques used in my ceramics, have themselves been repurposed and reused in the 2D works and then reworked back into 3D. The sense of play remains and continues to guide my process.
Curriculum Vitae
1983-1984 Cumbria College of Art & Design, Carlisle
1984-1987 BA(Hons) Degree, Glasgow School of Art
1988-1994 Member of the Dalhousie Lane Potters’ Studios, Glasgow
Two-man/Solo Exhibitions
2019 The Ropewalk, Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire
2016 Catstrand, New Galloway
Pre-2008
Gatehouse Gallery, Glasgow
Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
Blue Roof Gallery, Fintry
Crawford Arts Centre, St Andrews
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
Group Exhibitions
2018 Velvet Easel Gallery, Portobello
2018 Number 4 Gallery, St Abbs
2017 ‘Surge’, Patriothall Gallery, Edinburgh
2017 Velvet Easel Gallery, Portobello
2017 Art Exposure Gallery, Glasgow
2016 Mustard Gallery, Langholm
2016 4@Shambellie, Shambellie House, Dumfries
2016 ‘All Wrapped Up’, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
2015 Mustard Gallery, Langholm
2015 Number 4 Gallery, St Abbs
2015 Mansfield Park Gallery, Glasgow
2014 MAKERS, Manchester Art Gallery
2014 Mustard Gallery, Langholm
2014 Craft Scotland Summer Show, Edinburgh Festival
2014 Craft Scotland Summer Show, London
2013 MAKERS, Manchester Art Gallery
2013 Craft Scotland Summer Show, Edinburgh Festival
2013 MAKERS Exhibition, CUBE Gallery, Manchester
2013 Gallery Ten, Edinburgh
2009 McGill Duncan Gallery, Castle Douglas
2009 ‘Homecoming’, Whitehouse gallery, Kirkudbright
2008 Group Show, Scottish Showcase Gallery, Kirkudbright
Group Exhibitions before 2008
Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
Compass Gallery, Glasgow
Opus#1, London
Stones & Samson, Glasgow
Gallery 41, Edinburgh
Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Courtyard Gallery, Crail
Castlegate House Gallery, Cockermouth
Duncan of Jordanston College of Art, Dundee
Collins Gallery, Glasgow
Broughton Gallery, Broughton
Dick Institute, Kilmarnock
Strathearn Gallery, Crieff
Garner Gallery, Glasgow
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
Gossipgate Gallery, Alston
Ginger Gallery, Bristo
Ottersburn Gallery, Dumfries
Glasgow Print Studio Gallery
Terrace Gallery, Worthing
Commissions
2015 Commissioned by Dumfries Academy to produce a large ceramic memorial wall plaque about the life of ex-pupil Jane Haining who died in Auschwitz. The plaque is on permanent display on the walls of Minerva Hall at Dumfries Academy.
2014 Commissioned (in conjunction with poet Liz Niven and P4 pupils at Gatehouse Primary School) to produce 3 large ceramic wall panels for permanent display in Gatehouse Primary School.
1995 Nine commissioned plates, ABSA (Association of Business Sponsorship of the Arts) Scottish Awards, presented at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow.
1992 Commissioned by Springburn Museum, Glasgow, to produce a large ceramic wall mural, in conjunction with secondary pupils from St Rochs Academy, Glasgow, on permanent display in Springburn Health Centre, Glasgow.
Other
2014-2019 Spring Fling, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
2014 & 2015 Potfest in the Park, Penrith, Cumbria
2013 Craft Scotland, ‘Meet Your Maker’, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
2013 Potfest in the Pens, Penrith
2009-2013 Spring Fling, Kilncraft Studios, Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
2007-2008 Spring Fling, Studio, Dumfries
