You were born an original. Keep yourself original and never die a copy
Life began in London, early years were spent immersed in books, and a 'world of her own'. Always a questioner, never a follower, the madness of the playground had no appeal; I stayed in school and drew wild flowers copied from books or wrote stories, and won first prize for every yearly project, prizes being book tokens. Perfect! East Greenwich library let me join the adult section when, aged nine, I told them I’d read all the books in the children’s library. Grammar school, Haberdasher’s Aske’s, didn’t favour rebels, or rule breakers, so I bunked off on double games afternoons and met Ron bunking off from his school and double woodwork. We explored the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park. Later I studied exhibition design and display. Work included exhibitions, department store display, and working as a stylist for a group of photographic studios at Marble Arch.
Plans changed. In Cornwall, where my sons were born, I was a partner in a design consultancy, and started to paint. Several solo shows followed, with work now in private collections all over the world. Early paintings were large surreal images of sensual plants and flowers, then a more muted phase of surreal landscapes with dream like figures. A small antique business flourished, fostering my love of old textiles, Art Deco, jewellery, amber. More changes. Divorced, with two teenage sons to support, a new career as a designer of original bags and waistcoats, and theatrical costumes proved more lucrative, also working with an international designer creating stunning interiors which utilised my diverse talents.
The last ten years have been an exciting time of personal growth, and following a visit to Cambodia in 2007 painting became part of my meditation practice and the first series of Buddha images, taken from Buddha statues, emerged. Work has evolved since I went back to Cambodia, and then travelled to Myanmar in 2009 to see the spiritual heart of the country, the Shwedagon Pagoda, which has strengthened my beliefs and philosophical path.
