Q1. Why are you drawn to your particular creative medium?
Having grown up building images from nothing with drawing, painting or clay, starting with a limit and working backwards fits with me. You make a decision to remove material and that choice is final. You continue working with that pattern for good or bad knowing you can't reverse a choice. Sometimes it's very clear and you hammer away with full confidence and then, for the most part, I stand there hoovering with my tools ready for the fog to lift and show me a path.
Q2. Who has most influenced your artistic journey?
Can't say it lies with any person. I do have a history of working with very old structures and have always had such reverence for the ancient carvings and images I've had the privilege to work with. I guess seeing the interpretations those craftspeople left, that are of their time, gave me a pass to do the same for whatever time I have to do it.
Q3. What has been your favourite project to work on so far?
Nothing I have created personally but I did run workshops for kids to have a go at monoprinting which was such a joy. Setting things up and watching kids discover a new way of making a mark was just inspiring. Monoprinting removes you slightly from your initial marks and that indirect result always surprises people. Seeing that boost in confidence first-hand is an absolute privilege.
Q4. What would be your dream project?
Probably something collective that has an opportunity to wipe out any creative doubts in people. I have heard so many people young and old telling me they could never 'do' any number of creative things. Sadly, it always comes down to that seed of doubt popped in there by some ass - which is so hard to shift. If more people could be given a chance to undo that in the right environment, there would be many more fabulous creatives around us.
Q5. Do you have any advice for aspiring sculptors?
That's hard. Maybe take a bit of advice from people who know the technical bits but ignore most comments about direction and style. We need individuals and that comes from that voice you have wherever you feel most secure. It's so easy to criticise and some people are empowered by that. When you make something - something you like, you have to be brave enough to put it out there and you have to be brave enough to develop 'in public'. Please don't store your imagination in the garret. it needs to be outside of you to help you develop. When you finish that cycle of imagination to realisation you grow so fast. There is security in having that idea in your head ....that potential thing that will be brilliant 'one day' and I understand that, but get it done and show it. People need to see it.
