I will be finishing at Arts University Plymouth on 1st September 2025. As a vocational teacher, this has been the hardest decision of my life. I always expected to teach up to 70! After 39 years of teaching and 20 years of academic life, I will be leaving full time teaching to focus on my own work.
Students
I have always tried to put students first. I will miss you all so very much. It’s been a huge pleasure to watch you all flourish in our world-class studios here in Plymouth. We’ve tripled the size of the course over the last five years, creating a buzzing and supportive artistic community. As a result, many have gone on to win prizes, residencies and post graduate places. I’m so proud of each and every one of the students.
Plymouth is my home
I’m so thankful to Arts University Plymouth for bringing me to Devon. It was wonderful to be invited to lead this precious jewel in the crown for Painting, Drawing and Printmaking, now one of the few places in the UK where you can be taught painting as a language.
I’ve been made to feel very welcome. All in all, Plymouth is my home and I want to remain living and working here. We’ve made many new friends. Consequently, I want to be here for them, encouraging and supporting local artists in this creative Ocean City.
Plymouth is a creative city
Plymouth is a creative city, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone across the city, bringing wellbeing through the arts.
Alongside, I will continue to work with artists across Devon and Cornwall. This is such an inspiring and beautiful place by the sea. On top of that, there’s a lot going on in the art world here. So, I’m looking forward to having more time to explore the landscape and to meeting other creatives on my doorstep.
Continuing to teach
As all my students know, I’m passionate about the power of creativity to change lives and grow confidence and identity. I will continue to teach itinerantly, as well as from my home. Foremost, I will remain as External Examiner on Fine Art BA at the University of Chichester.
Teaching 1:1 in Plymouth
Each year, I’ll have a few 1:1 slots for painters who need tuition and guidance for their practice.
Freedom to pursue my journey into colour
For me, this will be a special time when I will be free to pursue my journey into colour. Therefore, I’ll be painting, drawing, researching, reading and travelling. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to delving into Blue and Violet.
Teaching and lecturing overseas
Next year, I’m excited to be invited to teach and exhibit at Whitworth University, USA, by invitation of Professor Benny Fountain.
Plans for the future
I have other research and teaching planned at: The British School at Rome; Aoyama Gakuin University Tokyo; and an invitation from a dear friend to join her at her artist in residency near Cape Town, South Africa. This will be an opportunity to complete my book on the practice of colour.
Solo shows
There’s going to be a solo show of my 12 drawings commissioned by The Milton Society of America, responding to Milton’s poem, Lycidas. This will take place at Milton’s Cottage in the summer of 2026 and will include a publication with essays by academics of The Milton Society of America and Professor Hugh Adlington at the University of Birmingham.
Huge thanks to Benjamin Rhodes. Soon, I will have another solo show with him in London.
Artist in residency
Eventually, I want to develop an artist in residency in Japan through my family connections. I hope to award this to one artist a year, a chance for them to grow by exploring the beautiful culture of Japan.
Forthcoming shows
It was great to be shortlisted for the Jackson’s Art Prize 2025. I will be in the group show at the Bankside Gallery near the Tate Modern in London, 24 – 29 June.
Additionally, I’ll be exhibiting regularly as a member of the 21 Group of Artists and the Plymouth Society of Artists. It’s a great honour and gives me a platform to promote painting across the Southwest. I will be showing with the 21 Group at Sou’-Sou’-West Gallery, Sydmonsbury, Dorset, 24 May – 15 June.
Keep in touch
Finally, we’ve started something very special in Plymouth and I’m confident that this will expand over time.
To conclude, I will always be a friend to painters. I’m not going away. Keep in touch on Instagram.
