Biography
I was born in Fife and studied Sculpture at Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen. I have work permanently sited in the UK from Shetland to Southampton and have exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. My work is held in significant public collections including the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, University of St Andrews, University of Dundee and Scottish Poetry Library. Among others I have received awards from the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, Hope Scott Trust and English Speaking Union.
My approach to both commissioned and exhibition works involves researching historical and social contexts and exploring the potential of materials. By expanding my knowledge of technical and engineering processes, I have grown my making skills and the vocabulary of my sculpture. Working with communities often informs my practice and I have run numerous workshops to compliment exhibitions and inform commissions.
Critical thinking underpins my practice. I strive to build on the statement coined in the 1960s by the Artists’ Placement Group that 'context is half the work'. I have been directly influenced by Scottish public art theory via the New Town Movement, particularly the town of Glenrothes, which is close to where I was brought up. For several years I worked in the Sculpture & Environmental Art Department at Glasgow School of Art.
As an undergraduate at Gray's School of Art I worked at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Aberdeenshire, the first such provision in Scotland. I made the work for my degree show there because the facilities and the rural environment suited me. This formative experience was extremely important: I worked alongside established artists from all over the world who were on residencies and fellowships, realising commissions, or taking part in symposia. I went on to work as a technician at SSW before becoming workshop manager of Glasgow Sculpture Studios.
These early introductions to the importance of sharing ideas and skills have driven my long involvement with the Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture. I served as its first female Secretary from 2012 -18, and in 2021 was convener of RSA New Contemporaries. I'm currently Keeper of the Collections which provides me with different insights into the care of sculptural work in all its forms.