The AA2A scheme has given me the opportunity to experiment with producing more complex printed surfaces onto fabrics. Having an uninterrupted period of time to think has enabled me to diversify and create a new body of work that would have been impossible at my own studio
My current practice have developed from my interest in the symbolic and cultural meaning of consumer culture and contemporary anxieties. There are powerful cultural forces that persuade women to buy into the impossible beauty myth. Our society is consumed with visual images of external female perfecton. It would seem that women from early childhood can be socialized into gender stereotypes for social approval. Cosmetic surgery procedures are being sought by younger and younger women.

The interpretation of these themes led me to use a selection of figurative images taken from one glossy fashion magazine which were rearranged, collaged, stitched and applied to dolls faces .The imagery was then printed onto a selection of fabrics like silk organza and transparent polyester using photo silk screen techniques and then layered, bonded and stitched together to produce unsettling images.

One of the problems of being an artist I have found is working in isolation in the studio so to be part of an artistic community of staff and students at the University has been for me both enriching and liberating. I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to take part in this project and have gained so much from the expertise and support from the print making staff, the excellent facilities and the conversations with students
Work produced by me during this year has been exhibited at Museum Rijswijk in Holland and the Collins Gallery in Glasgow where they have used my image for their publicity.