I travelled to the Isle of Lewis searching wildness and inspiration.  Taking risks as an artist I found richness and vibrancy, fondly becoming known as “the mad English Woman picking up bones” as I walked in all weathers on shore and moor and took interest in their heritage.

Working for an arts charity in Hull and comfortable in my creativity and good work, as an artist I felt the need to become excited again myself about creating artwork which meant something deeply to me and push my artistic boundaries further.  So granted a 3 month sabbatical to seek new challenges, I ventured far north to the islands on the edge where the gales and light seemed more alive to me than the weathers of home, and the objects, details and stories I discovered with every step in this majestic landscape brought delight, questions and ideas.  I experimented and felt the necessity of creativity again, connecting with the place, its traditions and myself.

Bringing these artefacts and ideas home to Hull, I worked possessed by the imbedded richness of my experiences to create work for 3room RED gallery one month later.  Consisting of constructions combining found and created articles including bones, casts, tools, tweeds, historical images etcetera, the exhibition was a success provoking responses like “sublime”, “superb! Fortean Times would love this”, “eclectic mixture, intriguing, pensive & delicate”, “thought provoking”, and the ideas and passion for the place and themes continues to grow.

I work with combinations – different materials, images, ideas, processes – and this AA2A opportunity offers new ways of working, new directions to take.  How will new materials allow me to express my experiences in even greater ways, or multiples of objects make me feel about the original article?  How will communicating with other artists enhance my thinking..?