Information
My practice is centred on the themes of social history and civilization through the creation or re-interpretation of objects, research and factual evidence. Presenting a new entity of experience based on my findings, I am interested in creating work in collaboration with communities of people.
Recent works have focused on climate change, migration, digital media and the possibilities of future conflict driven by the technological advances of resource management. I am interested in the role of artist as insister or social activist, mobilizing an idea or group of people to present an unheard voice or social injustice.
I am currently exploring the process and production of social sculpture and the creation of site-responsive installations or experiences.
Last year I was awarded Arts Council England funding to support the realisation of a major project, In Service, in which I spent time in residence at Salford Museum and Art Gallery. This project aimed to interpret the way we commemorate the First World War and concluded with the production of 226 plates, which were placed into service in the museum cafe. In 2017 I was also selected as artist in residence at Darwen Terracotta for the first National Festival of Making in Blackburn (part of the Art in Manufacturing programme). My work has been selected for the John Moores Painting prize (2012) and more recently longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize (2016).
Current Exhibitions:
"Art in Manufacturing Legacy" - Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Saturday 12th May 2018 – Saturday 4th August 2018 - more info
Selected Solo exhibitions
2018 In Service - Desmond Tutu Centre for War and Peace Studies - Liverpool Hope University
2017 In Service Salford Museum and Art Gallery
2017 The National Festival of Making - Blackburn Cathedral - 2017
2016 Churchgate House - "New Thoughts" Bolton - 27.08.2016
2015 OPEN HOUSE Federation House 26.3.2015
2014 Federation House - Fire and Forget - 13.03.2014
2011 Manchester MRI "A Letter to Lowry"
2008 Salford Royal Hospital "Its Our Salford"
2008 Stockport Art Gallery M12-11
2005 Farmillio Fiumano, London
Funding and Awards
2016/17 Arts Council Grants for the Arts
2014/15 Arts Council Grants for the Arts
Selected Group Exhibitions
2018 - "At What Cost " Air Gallery - Altrincham, Manchester
2018 - 4 Walls - AWOL Studios - Manchester
2018 - Living in Hyper Reality - Bath Fringe Festival
2017 - Manifest Calling - HOME - Manchester
2016 - Bankley Open Call - Bankley Studios & Gallery,Manchester
2016 -Aesthetica Art Prize - York St Marys
2015 - ONPHOTOcopy - 44AD - Fringe Arts Bath
2015 - Art Vend - Oriel Wrecsam - Wrecsam
2015 - Dreaming of New York - Horsefall, Manchester
2015 Broken Grey Wires 'Make Windows Where There Are Walls' - Notting Hill Art Club, London
2013 Landfillart - Pennsylvania, USA
2012 John Moores Painting Prize 2012 Walker Art Gallery Liverpool
2010 The Killing Jar AWOL Studios Manchester
2009 Hope Mill Open Studios - Manchester
2004 Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Competitions
2016 Open Call 2016 Bankley Studios and Gallery
2016 Aesthetica Art Art Prize - Longlisted exhibitor
2012 John Moores Painting Prize 2012
2008 BP Portrait Award - 2nd Stage Entry
2006 John Moores Exhibition Stage 2 Entry 2006
2006 The Sefton Open Atkinson Gallery Southport
Residencies
Artist in Residence at Darwen Terracotta for the Festival of Making 2017 as part of the Art in Manufacturing programme. 6th and 7th May Blackburn Cathedral . more details on the Festival of Making website click here
Artist in Residence Salford Museum & Art Gallery 2016 - 2017
Artist in Residence LIME art April 2011 - 2014
Art Mentor Pool Arts - 2009 - 2016
Commissions
2015 Art Vend - Oriel Wrecsam
2013 Rochdale Infirmary - Lime Arts
2010 Gorton Visual Arts - Beyer Peacock
Press/Publications
AN Newsletter - August 2016 - link
Future Now - Aesthetica Art Prize Anthology 2016 ISBN
Art Monthly 386 May 2015 OPEN HOUSE - Eleanor Clayton
Corridor 8 online edition 2014 link
Sunday Telegraph 2013
Chasing your Tale 2012 link
Salford Advertiser 2008
City Life Manchester 2004
City Life Manchester 2003
Manchester Evening News 2003