I studied art at St Albans, Dartington College, and Bristol in the 1970s and early 1980s. At that time art schools provided a wonderful period of freedom for exploration, as well as technical and creative skills. We designed, built, potted, printed, painted, welded, filmed, drew, and generally expanded our horizons both inwardly and outwardly.

I emerged with a strong sense of the role artists could play in developing an inclusive creative society, using art to enable communities to articulate their concerns and work together to make positive changes.

My subsequent creative work with communities encompassed environmental and energy conservation, archaeology, and gardening, along with a sideline in sign painting and murals. Upon settling in Leeds I co-founded Skippko Arts Team, a community arts charity, and we developed a broad programme of dance and visual arts involving a wide range of groups, with a focus on mental wellbeing and building stronger communities.

Happily Skippko has continued to thrive since I left to set up a community arts service within City of York Council. As Arts Action York we trained and supported local artists to deliver creative projects across the city, and initiated a new Hospital Arts scheme, along with public art works and community outreach initiatives with local cultural organisations.

I started York Printmakers in 2015, and this lively group keeps on growing and developing, with over 40 members. We run the annual Print Fair in York and promote all forms of original printmaking through exhibitions, events and workshops.

For the last fourteen years I have worked from my studio based near York, developing my own creative practice along with teaching short printmaking courses. I am constantly expanding my knowledge and expertise of experimental printmaking, and sharing this progress with students and readers on the Curious Printmaker blog.