I originally trained at Manchester Metropolitan University in Textile design, gaining a BA Hons specialising in weave. A job designing embroidery for Marks and Spencers followed.
In order to fit life round a growing family, after 5 years at M&S, I became self employed, setting up a successful soft furnishing business. A few years into this I started a course at Reaseheath College to study horticulture and garden design. The willow sculpture emerged unexpectedly after the college put on a willow weaving workshop. I enjoyed it, but never imagined it would be my future career! I attended a few more workshops around the North West and made some sculptures for myself. To my great surprise people wanted to buy what Iād made, so I just went with it!
I started my willow business in 2008 by simply saying yes to everything, teaching at Arley Hall and selling at the newly emerging artisan markets. Things just took off from there.
I make to commission and also sell at events around the country. If you are interested in commissioning or buying a piece, please get in touch.
I run day workshops for adults at various venues, mainly around Manchester and Cheshire, but some further afield. I can be hired to put on a private workshop for groups at your own venue or one that I currently hire.
I go into schools to work with children on large group sculptures, or small individual projects and have run sessions in community groups, helping people with their mental wellbeing.
I create pieces which are of mainly animal form from different varieties and colours of English willow. The flowing organic shapes of the animals and the surprising process of intensely investigating a new subject are what interest me. My weaving suggests movement, weight and muscle tone and results in something beautiful and life-like, with character. Each piece is unique and evolves, which makes the whole process exciting and fresh.