I would like to take the opportunity of the AA2A Scheme to develop a new range of work. Although I am known for my sand cast work, the increasing expense of hiring a hot shop means I would like to move towards more affordable means of making my work. I already have a couple of lines using kiln techniques, but would like to extend my use of these skills.

I am particularly interested in textures found in nature, particularly that of the landscape created by erosion. I also would like to continue my exploration of colour, using layers of colour almost in a painterly fashion. Combining these techniques, and also experimenting with etching and screen printing to create the illusion of 3 dimensions.

As a self employed artist, I constantly have to adapt my skills and work to suit a changing market. I find myself doing more commissioned work, particularly wall panels. The opportunity to have access to a well equipped studio with larger equipment in a dynamic learning environment would help me to explore and experiment, and hopefully create a new range of work.

The students would benefit from my presence by seeing the reality of being self-employed in the glass industry. The many hats one has to wear, the pressure of earning an income, all those jobs that do not involve making and selling, but that are an intrinsic part of being self employed. They would see the difficulty in finding time to experiment to further ones skills and techniques.

In summary the AA2A scheme would allow me access to equipment I do not have in my studio, give me an environment to explore and experiment and provide the students with a case study of the realities of being a self employed glass artist.