Born a Lincolnshire “Yella Belly”
I popped into the world too many years ago to a traditional Lincolnshire family, and the disappointment of my Dad, because I wasn’t a boy. Sibling rivalry began when my brother arrived five-years later, and although he was a brighter spark than me, he lacked perseverance.
Education, freedom, experimentation
This wasn’t a problem for me; my bloody mindedness meant good grades and a place at Croydon Art College studying textile design. Oh joy to the world, freedom to experiment, create and play with textiles, colour and pattern.
The big wide world
Following college and navigating the world of employment, it’s funny how an off the cuff question can spin you around, asking the question “Need any help?” resulted in me working with and learning from Aza Adlam the best picture framer in Bristol.
Square peg in a round hole
Promotion for hubby and a move to Kent created more opportunities for me, and I’m not quite sure how it happened but I spent a soul-destroying period with a local authority battling bureaucracy, managers and the public. I was definitely a square peg in a round hole.
True friendship
My fairy godfather bought a collection of picture framing equipment and invited me use it, any time I liked. He didn’t want to go into partnership, and after struggling with the ethics of setting myself up in competition, I did anyway (he’s still a good mate by the way).
Oops! She’s over
By spring 2012 the quality of my work was getting around, I created a studio and was on my way, but forced into a six-month ‘break’ after a rather inconvenient accident. (Nothing to do with knives or blades by the way).
Passion in my life
Life I’m now lovin’. I’m a member of The Fine Art Trade Guild and write for its trade magazine. I’m constantly banging on (blogging) about the creative and technical aspects of picture framing, which helps clients understand the decisions they need to make.
Picture framing is a passion, and my mission is to help clients, creatives and galleries bring out the best in their artwork, help protect special items that have been passed down through families, destined for future generations.
I love working with clients on major projects, like Kathryn Rennie, a talented artist whose inaugural exhibition in her Canterbury gallery was in March 2016, Ann Walker-Parry of Fenster Arts, who works to get art into public spaces and into the working environment. But a particularly rewarding interest is nurturing creative talent in youngsters by sponsoring children’s art competitions.
I think Dad would have been proud.
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