I have worked with paper as a medium for some time whilst running a creative design company and have been commissioned to produce paper sculptures for display work and other promotions. I now focus on using the medium to express my own ideas. I have demonstrated paper sculpture in John Lewis and other venues and have recently started doing workshops. Ten years ago I took up woodcarving, my first projects were figurative abstracts, I then went on to explore simple abstract forms using various woods. I acquired a lathe to assist with wood carving but soon got into the world of turning bowls and pots. This led me to experiment with recycling materials such as old magazines, plastic signs and other materials that bond together and can be turned. I have also done some stone carving from time to time. When I work in stone I often develop forms previously worked in wood. I find it stimulating alternating these different media, although the disciplines are different, ideas can be carried across from one to another.
2013 ( Fletcher) Prize
The Prize is given by Helen Hardy in memory of her late father Antony Smith. The award is given for work exhibited at the annual Woodstock Exhibition, judged by Helen Hardy, Joanna Foster CBE, OCG President and past Chair of Crafts Council, and Carol Anderson, Oxfordshire Museum Curator.
The 2103 prize-winning bowl is made from recycled material, magazines, coloured paper and plywood.
The 2018 prize, named in honour of Audrey Blackman, was awarded for another piece, a yellow and gray bowl made from recycled Corian.
