By exploring themes of movement, connectivity and internationalism, I plan to create a series of works that take inspiration from the human aspects of Darlington’s heritage. But I don’t want to simply look back or for the work to become a history lesson, instead I intend to draw on the area’s heritage to create a bold, positive vision of the future; asking questions about how we see ourselves, where we come from and who we want to be. The world is not a particularly optimistic place right now, and whilst art can (and should) hold a mirror up to society and reflect what is going on, it can also present alternative ideas and visions which give a sense of hope and optimism. The latter is what I strive to explore through my work.
The funding would be used for researching and exploring human stories and visual imagery in and around Darlington on the themes (movement, connectivity and internationalism). This then becomes the springboard for experimenting, developing and producing the work to be presented. Working in my preferred medium of silkscreen printmaking, I see this bursary as an opportunity to expand my work beyond abstract geometry.
Whilst outcomes from experimentation are difficult to predict, one key element I really want to feature in this work is an interactive aspect in the final presentation. I don’t want this work to lecture the audience (nor, conversely, for it to be too ambiguous or abstract). I want it to ask societal questions and have the audience provide their own thoughts and answers; for them to physically interact with the work, have a way to take part and literally leave their own mark behind.
My practice has already moved and grown in ways I never imagined, but this has, until recently, been self-funded and initiated. A recent CVAN development grant made a huge difference to my practice in terms of freeing up time to experiment and expand my ideas in new ways. I believe that was just the beginning, and that the Dover Prize would represent a massive step-change in my artistic growth.
Whilst drawing on the area’s people and place in history, my vision is for this work to become forward-thinking and outward-looking.
I believe that together we can create something bold, hopeful and inclusive; and in doing so we can raise the profile of creative arts in and around Darlington, drawing in a broader audience. The interactive element in particular is intended to make the work more assessable and give the audience a sense of participation and local ownership.
If the work also manages to sow some seeds of positivity for a possible/imagined future, then that would be the cherry on top.
Working from my studio in rural Northamptonshire, I create geometric, abstract, expressionist works using silkscreen printmaking. The Seneca phrase “we are waves of the same sea” informs a recurring theme and motif in my work; addressing inequality and division and presenting an optimistic vision of something more joyful, hopeful and positive(ful). Happenstance is actively encouraged in my process; throwing up unexpected one-off moments, outweighing intended outcomes or notions of perfection. Visually, my work is pure motion. Prints are sudden experiences of vitality: elegant undulations, tactile and cerebral. Formally they evoke unity in difference; their use of colour is generous. Looking at them sparks energised rumination. My current work is involving repetitive printing onto fabrics to create large-scale installations and pushing the boundaries of what print making can be. Recent and notable exhibitions include: 2024 – MK Calling – Milton Keynes Gallery
2024 – Small & Mighty – Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, London
2024 – FIESTA! – Inky Fingers, London
2024 – Open Exhibition – The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art
2023 – HOME – The Department Store, Brixton, London
2023 – AMPLIFY – New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts
2022 – Discerning Eye 2022 – Mall Galleries, London In April 2025 I was shortlisted for the Jacksons Art Prize.
Degree in Graphic Design (First)
December 2024, I was awarded a CVAN EM visual arts bursary for ‘the development of ambitious activity’. This project has led me into researching and developing the use of screenprinting onto fabrics such as chiffon and other Rayon-type materials, exploring repetition and size, and working towards the creation of a bold, large-scale artwork.
April 2025, I had two works longlisted and one shortlisted for the Jacksons Art Prize. The shortlist comprised 115 works selected from over 12,000 entries.
Yes, I’m currently establishing an artist-led project centred around Mail Art, aimed at fostering and curating a creative collaboration via the postal service. Mail Art was something that was introduced to me by a tutor whilst studying graphic design, and grew into a self-initiated project with a like-minded collaborator that we both found valuable; in terms of personal creative exercise and also as a connection between artists. In recent times I and many artists have found social media to be artistically restrictive, forcing artists to become ‘content creators’, and – despite offering endless connectivity – remarkably un-collaborative. This project is intended as an escape and a reaction.
I have twice been featured in Pressing Matters magazine (issues 17 & 28) as well as having work selected in UPPERCASE magazine (issue 56) and Stylist magazine (issue 585).
Email: editions@beanwave.co.uk
Local Authority: West Northamptonshire
