Interview for the Ceredigion Art Trail

Tell us a little about what you make?

I make coastal themed, mixed media collages and assemblages using acrylics, printmaking techniques, clay, seaweed and other found natural elements.

What inspires you and where do you find that inspiration?

The beautiful Ceredigion coast and all its tiny treasures. I'm so lucky to live by the sea where I've got constant inspiration and also after stormy weather, little seaweed gifts to play with.

Tell us about your favourite medium.

Anything and everything! I love texture and layers. I've recently started making my collage papers using a peel print process transferring found textures and plants on a gel plate to create really unique results and a bit of extra depth.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of being an artist or maker?

The best bit is the making the least favourite part is the promoting.

What does being a member of the Ceredigion Art and Craft Trail mean to you?

As a new member I'm really enjoying meeting the other artists and finding 'my tribe'. It also ties in with the previous question, promotion can be tricky for introverts like me, I feel much more comfortable promoting and singing the praises of the whole group. It's easy because they're all brilliant at what they do.

How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist/maker?

I also work as a graphic designer which helps me always keep the arty side of my brain ticking. Although saying that, I do find it hard to switch back to the corporate space sometimes. It would be a dream come true to eventually just be a full time artist.

What are you working on at the moment?

I've been making 3x3" 3d treasure boxes for the last few years but last month I started with a big 50x50 cm board as an experiment and I have been loving the challenge. It seems you can't just take something small and make it bigger, you really do have to trust in the process and let yourself go with the flow a lot more. I've loved making much bigger textures and being able to cut into the board with big free strokes.

How do you know when your work is finished?

I am not the right person to ask about this! Only when it's on someone else's wall where I physically can't tinker with it anymore. As a collage artist I will often go back to older pieces and turn them into something new. My interests are always evolving and I can be a bit ruthless with anything sitting around.

What is the biggest challenge of being an artist/maker?

Paying the mortgage! Like a lot of artists, I find it really hard to sell myself sometimes. Although it can feel a bit uncomfortable it is an important part of finding the people who are obsessed with the same things you are.

What advice would you give to new artists or makers at the start of their creative journey?

Well this may not be very helpful to people aspiring to make a living from their art but personally, I've found since I stopped trying to make art that other people might like I've enjoyed making it so much more. I really love rust, erosion and peeling paint which isn't everyone's cup of tea but it makes my eyes so happy I can get really lost having fun in the process. Obviously it's wonderful if people do like and buy the work too!