ONCE UPON A TIME...
I have always loved colour. Ever since I was small, the expressive immediacy provided by a chunky wax crayon, or the alchemical quality of gloopy poster paint proved spellbinding!
​
As I grew older I embraced all creative pursuits, some more successfully than others (I will never be a knitter or a potter and should under no circumstances be allowed near glitter!). At age 15 I was selected for a placement at a local stained glass studio. Here I was introduced to a world of pure, absolute colour, stained glass!
THE NEXT CHAPTER
After school I completed further studies including a National Diploma in Art and Design and a BA in Design. I went on to work with established and emerging contemporary artists via independent galleries and publishing house outlets. Yet after varied career both in and out of the art and design industry my creative soul yearned for more.
MY BIG BREAK
It was while on a hiatus to oversee the renovation our old Georgian Mews here in leafy Hampshire that I completed a couple of refresher courses in stained glass. Working hands-on with the glass, learning its limits and imagining its potential, quickly reignited my creative passion, and so I wasted no time setting up my own workspace in our small back bedroom and got cracking!
BLOOD, SWEAT AND STICKING PLASTERS
It took a long time to find my style (a LONG time!). I've always felt a yearning for nature, folklore and pagan ways and adore the Medieval and Celtic aesthetic with its highly decorative details, jewel-like colours and hammered metals of copper and pewter. I knew these elements would form the basis of my designs, but glass is a fickle mistress! She will not be easily tamed despite the number of blood sacrifices (thankfully none fatal!). I spent hour upon hour honing my skills and I will be eternally grateful to all the wonderful glass artists out there that offered the benefit of their experience and wisdom to help me. Thankfully, with a lot of trial and error, a lot of broken glass, and a seemingly never-ending supply of love, encouragement and support from my wonderful husband, in 2018 I set up Trefoil Stained Glass!