Hello. I became interested in masks and carnival sculpture while teaching Art in Yorkshire. Nearby, Horse and Bamboo Theatre toured their then annual show and I became interested in the magic of mask theatre. I did some mask making training with them. During that time I volunteered with a community arts company while they were making a carnival for Blackburn. These two experiences gave me access to skills, materials, processes and a tradition.
Over the following ten years I have investigated processes and materials to increase my skills in making masks and various forms of street figures, while offering visual arts workshops. I have travelled and researched European, American and Indian street celebration traditions.
Community art appeals to me because it is democratic, open, encouraging participation, promoting creativity and self esteem. Carnival and street celebration combines art forms and is a familiar and ancient activity in all cultures. Everyone can do and enjoy carnival.
Artwork is always made in a context. My work is set in the context of Folk Art and Applied Art, part of a long and continuing tradition of un-named artists making work for their community to enjoy.
In this gallery I include images from my travels and research, of artwork which inspires me.