Initially I felt that printing was a fiddly, messy and laborious process, I thought my brain would explode with the many steps and processes involved.   It didn’t help that I am learning every process together, however I am tackling it, I have a formula, recipes written lists as I go and the process is becoming smoother and my confidence will grow with practice.

Printing still feels like it is a missing link in the process of my work, I draw and make mixed media textile forms that I want to add printed images into this process. The pieces are stronger with this added layer of memory of storytelling on the fabric.

I am not yet clear of the outcomes from this exploration, I do not currently see the work as a single piece, standing on its own, but multiple layers incorporating mixed media textiles, drawings and prints, this may evolve.

I aim to employ the process of printing in the same way I use drawing which is an integral part of my practice, I have not yet found a formula as such, my method is not linear, it’s more like a mind map, however my practice is, I draw found materials and these drawings then depict the direction that the work will take. Firstly I draw, I then make, I then draw the progress, adding fictitious details as I go along, I then return to the making. Printing for me is part of this process.

My utter joy in the printing process is that you never quite know how it will turn out, you can be precious and precise but the forces beyond your control ultimately decide on the final outcome, although the more experienced you become, I suppose the less anomalies occur but I am sure they will still occur and this for me is where the excitement lies.

Below are the original images that I am currently working with.

The image below is the print on to fabric from the poly plastic textured plate.

Moving forward, positive moves to address the balance of work/art life balance have been in full swing since last November when I stepped down from being a residential home manager as my work was 24/7 with no head space for anything else especially during the pandemic.

Art work for me is a slow process of experimenting with materials and after so many life changes, moving home several times into our forever home deep in the mountains on the foothills of Snowdonia national park, working full time, it has taken a long time to set up my studio (work in progress) but I am finally getting there.

This is my current Artist statement:-

“I am a Welsh Fine Artist who restructures toys, found objects and textiles to create sculptures that deal with feelings of fear, rejection and loss. The work draws on fairy-tale narratives and metaphor to connect with the darker emotional experiences of the viewer. Using dolls – bald baby, soft-bodied with plastic limbs, ceramic headed sand dolls – especially used, abandoned ones, which I find by serendipity. Not all the toys are taken apart; some are kept in their found state to draw from. Those that are taken apart are recorded through observational drawings of each stage of the process. The aim of this forensic dissection is to discover what lies beneath the surface before making creative decisions in the rebuilding. Recycling toys and dolls intercepts and alters their stories, and engages the viewer in a new narrative. The viewers own history and relationship to dolls, toys and stories from or of their childhood affects their experience of the work, creating space for a personal and intimate interaction. The works are not afraid to look into the dark corners that require such a reforming”.

In September 2021 I am going to complete my MA in multidisciplinary Art Practice in Glŷn Dwr university in Wrexham North Wales, part time for two years.

I have matured as an Artist and I am now more confident and coherent, I will not be watering my work down to make it more appealing for selling. I am no longer interested in the financial aspect as I will be staying in my employment doing one or two 24hr sleep over shifts a week in the support sector.

Below (sold) “What you looking at”

Now in private collection.

doll collection to draw from

Red riding hood

It’s September 2021

I’ve had a productive chilled out summer, going away camping, spending time with my family, visiting York, I also finished setting up my studio space in the house.  I now have a desk, storage etc I just need to complete a materials exploration to sort out what I’m using and what I’m not!

I find it a very difficult task, when I start, I get carried away with the materials that I find, therefore, I am going to have to be brutal.  My aim is to apply the method:- Will I use it Now, Will I use it in the Future, or Will I never use it again? The problem is that in the past I have struggled to purchase materials due to lack of funds and therefore everything had a future use. I am clearer now on what my artistic aims are therefore anything that does not fit int this aim can be donated to my friend’s shop.

Characters, stories, experimenting with some animation, using my skills with wire sculpture, fabric manipulation and hand stitching.

This summer I also took part in The Pale Rook’s  Doll Making Course, an online email course that was over a 5 week period, (see separate post). There were two lessons and one review each week, Monday’s and Thursday’s. I enjoyed the structure of the course, it enabled me to focus on one project, using the skills I already have, but also looking at new ways of approaching a subject that I am passionate about. I feel that I have gained a huge amount from the course.

Images below are practice pieces exploring fluid forms. It was really good to push myself away from my usual way of making and I had some real resistance to this new method, my perseverance paid off, I felt that I had, a breakthrough. I will be exploring the new methods I have gained from this course going forward making new work, using my own way of working but incorporating what I have learnt.

The sample below is work in progress and is yet to be resolved.

Amsterdam, is one of my favourite city’s, it’s creative energy fills me with inspiration, ideas, creative vision and helps me to re focus on my own practice.

It could very well be that I am off work and “chilling”, however I think it is more to do with the laid back atmosphere, the small independent shops the flea markets, the galleries the people, everything feels possible. I feel at home in this city like nowhere else I’ve ever been.

Below is a snapshot of the images I took while we were there.