“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.”
Robert Henri
Inspired by the vibrant collage scene there, I started experimenting with paper collage moving to mixed media in later years. Collage is a step-by-step process of sourcing, playing and surrender. You never know where it’s going to take you. The journey is always different, involving an organic process of attention, intention, and trust. We explore with curiosity, and we create with spontaneity, tuning into a universal creative energy to give our ideas and feelings a voice. The result is often an expression of an inner landscape, a portal to the unseen.
My collage work explores the themes of childhood, heritage, identity, spirituality, womanhood and belonging.
I use vibrant colours, circles and mix paper with textile and paint, bringing nature into the mix whenever possible. More recently, I’ve been working with 3D collage-making, giving new life to abandoned objects ranging from old typewriters to discarded packaging and beyond.
I discovered the magic of collage in 2002 when I was living in Paris.
Collage Happenings
From time to time, I open the yurt to the public to exhibit original works while inviting visitors to participate in interactive pieces and support worthwhile causes.
My last Open Studio took place in November 2024 when I invited audiences to contribute to World Map and raise money for a great cause.
World Map started on the day the Ukraine war began. The piece imagines a world without borders and is a work-in-progress seeking the contribution of willing participants to finish it. The completed piece will be available for sale later this year with all proceeds going to the John Badley Foundation (JBF) Emergency Refugee Fund.
Through fully funded bursaries, the JBF transforms the lives of children who are able to join Bedales Prep and Bedales Senior from difficult school and home situations in the UK and abroad.
To find out more information about the JBF please click here.
Open studios
Workshops
I offer collage workshops during yoga retreats with an emphasis on activating the artist within. Rooted in the belief that we are all creative beings, and that creativity is not a rare ability, my workshops are designed to awaken the child-like qualities of play, spontaneity, and imperfection. Workshops tend to take place outdoors in a sheltered space nestled in the woods, making nature an integral part of the experience.
Materials include everything from old magazines to 3D recyclable objects, textile, paints and much more. Pens, colour pencils, glue sticks, scissors and everything you need is provided during the workshop.
Workshops follow several themes but sometimes there is simply no brief as we allow our hands to take over and create a narrative of their own.
Workshops are one to two hours in length and the price is included in the cost of the retreat. There will be a series of collage workshops run independently in the yurt in the coming months.
The next workshop will be taking place on June 21st as part of my Summer Solstice Retreat at Rushmere Farm.
Also available for private commissions
