Please can you give me an introduction about yourself

I am a Digital Photomontage artist based in York. I studied for my B.A. (Hons) Degree in Textile Art at Winchester School of Art. After a short spell working for an interior magazine in London, travel and adventure were calling. From working in New Zealand, Chalet hosting in France, circling the world on cruise ships and living in Poland with my husband (who is Polish), we finally settled. Working from my garden studio, a unique structure designed and built by my husband during lockdown, this is where you will find me most days.

What inspired you to paint?

I have always been creative and I cannot say that I would be something else if not an artist. Imagery and making things is my life and I equally love looking at what other artists create. My medium has changed over the years, from oil painting to textiles to my more recent digital work, and I do mix it up sometimes. I was inspired to turn to digital art when I discovered some American artists who work in this field.

Describe your creative process; from start to finish of a painting. Where do you find your inspiration?

My work begins with my collection of 19th century cabinet photographs. I adore the era and the clothing, the hairstyles and elegance. I also take photographs wherever I may be and have a huge image bank of backgrounds, objects, textures, clouds, reflections...you name it. I use Photoshop to combine these, creating a multi-layered image, putting things together that look realistic but could never actually be creates a dreamlike, slightly surreal piece of work. Once finished with the digital side, I print on to archival paper and hand finish with gold leaf or inks. When I need to find inspiration, I look through old books of quotes, encyclopaedias and I listen to music.

What is your favourite piece of work and why?

My favourite piece is 'Survival'. There is something so strong and reassured about the character. Finding an original photograph like this is quite rare and I do spend a long time searching for these. Her pose translates perfectly to the image too. This image inspires so many ideas for a story.

What do you think makes your work unique?

I would say it is my imagination. As all artists do, I look to others for inspiration and guidance, but nothing is more unique than what is in your head. Some people do question my sanity, but I like that. I just hope the ideas never stop flowing.

What is the purpose/goal of your work?

I don't have a goal, as that would be scary and final, what would come next? I believe I am on a journey that will hopefully end only when my time on earth ends. My purpose I guess is to keep my life fulfilled and inspiring and hopefully inspire others, creating connections and bringing interest and beauty to people’s lives.

Who is your favourite artist and why? Do they have an influence on your work?

I do like Magritte, putting an apple in front of a face is iconic and epic! I do, however, look to more modern-day digital artist and Maggie Taylor (whom I discovered and inspired me to work the way I do) would be my favourite. I also love Christian Schloe and Daria Petrilli.

Are you currently working on any new exciting projects?

I am. A while ago I wrote a rhyming children’s book about a Bee that saves the world. It will be published in due course and I am currently working on the illustrations.

Why do you think art is important in society?

Like most creatives, we battle sometimes with the fact that what we do is not going to save lives or keep the world going round, but can you image a world without the arts. If the artists of the past had not chosen to give up riches for their love of art we would not have the amazing works to admire and the museums to visit. Art creates connectivity and a link to the past and the future. We would become a very miserable society without it.