I wanted to be an artist since I was very young. I feel extremely lucky to be able to do what I love. Not only have I been able to make a living with my art, but I get to live in a beautiful part of Scotland.
I have now been a self-supporting artist for almost thirty years in my adopted home town of Crieff, Perthshire, and the town and its surrounding landscape is a constant inspiration in my work.
Originally from Dundee, I attended Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in the city, studying painting under James Morrison. As a self-employed artist, however, I have diversified into mural painting, heraldry, organising residential art weekends, teaching classes for adults and children, and even decorating an electric guitar.
When I was approached by Gardening Scotland to make two seven-foot golfers from willow, I thought why not? This led to making another twelve golfers commissioned by Perth & Kinross Council and the Ryder Cup when it came to Gleneagles and a “willow golfer trail” was created around Perthshire. Now I find that willow has become the biggest part of my artistic life and have added a new string to my bow with setting up Willow Works at a unit in an industrial estate near Perth with my friend, Lynn MacGregor.
I have exhibited throughout Scotland, and since settling in Crieff have made my mark in many ways. As a community artist I’ve worked on many local and national projects, and am often involved in artistic activities in the area, especially Crieff Arts Festival which I, along with Nigel Gatherer, musician, and Helen Grant, author, set up. I’ve worked in most of the schools in Perth & Kinross and have worked on community and environmental art projects and workshops throughout Scotland.
My central ethos is that you don’t have to be ‘good at art’ to participate in and benefit from creative expression.
If forced to answer, however, my first love would be landscape painting, and I am most happy when painting in the heart of Perthshire. From the rolling hills to the mountains, this area has unique qualities, and I find myself yearning to get back out with my sketching kit.
Poster featuring Lorna Radbourne’s stained glass owl 
Poster featuring the wee houses made by Morag Lloyds 
Poster featuring Bab Pease print 
Poster featuring Ann Smith felted wool picture 
juneable 