These two ceramic sculptures, "Eternal Embrace" share a minimalist form, yet convey profound connection. Rendered in glossy black, their abstract shapes suggest two figures embracing, becoming one. The dynamic curves and voids create a sense of movement and unity, amplified by the sleek, modern finish. Their forms imply a shared space and mutual support, celebrating the beauty of togetherness in a contemporary style.

Wanted to experiment with abstract design on something small

Hand built slab pot of sitting dog, white and black decoration on one side, and black and white decoration on the other.

Two black ink paisley patterns sit alongside each other in balance against a white iridescent background, their intricate details weaving a harmonious blend of tradition and elegance.

Hand painted reproduction sculpture in a Marble stone effect on a black wooded base

Unique streaky glass shallow dish, with silver foil reactions producing a playful and sumptuous centrepiece for display.

Jagged formations that reach for the sky, fighting for space and seeking light. The shapes of factories with their chimneys and repeated forms dominated the landscape of the north east until not too long ago. The inspiration for these landmarks comes from those lost landmarks of industry and productivity that were once so familiar as to seem irrelevant.

I have had great fun designing abstract designs for my Ceramic pieces for this exhibition

Midnight Pools captures the essence of stillness and depth through two mesmerizing ceramic sculptures. Their organic, flowing forms evoke natural water basins, gently shaped by time. The smooth, white ceramic surfaces contrast with the dark, glossy interiors, resembling tranquil pools at midnight. The interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to peer into their enigmatic depths. The larger piece flows in interwoven curves, suggesting endless cycles, while the smaller evokes a serene and grounded solitude. Together, they embody the duality of motion and stillness, light and darkness—an ode to nature’s quiet yet profound beauty.

I have had great fun applying abstract designs to my ceramic pieces

Inspired by a painting I have in this exhibition called ‘Thinking of You Flowers’ I hand painted this decorative jug in a floral design.

I love these wavy bottles and I slip cast the original and then it was a case of putting my original design on it

Hand Painted reproduction sculpture of a black and white Dalmatian dog which has been mounted on a hand-painted Trinket box

A monochromatic landscape scene with a small solitary house.

The ink and pencil shapes and patterns in the book are inspired by fragments of objects found on the Blast Beach in Seaham. The words reflect some of my thoughts associated with these fragments.

A solitary crane in a picturesque setting. Inspired by a visit to a wildlife sanctuary.

Handmade adjustable length leather cord with ceramic beads/earrings

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I have had great fun designing abstract designs for my Ceramic pieces for this exhibition

This work was created from my imagination after watching fireflies dancing through a Canadian Forest at night. They are elusive,it is difficult to capture them on camera or by a plein air drawing. I felt I was in the presence of spiritual beings with an ethereal glow.

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I have hand painted some monochromatic flowers onto a large decorative vase, inspired by a painting of mine for this exhibition called ‘Thinking of You Flowers’

The images and words in this book are taken from sketches and memories of an early morning walk, just before sunrise, to the Old Beach (Red Acre) In Seaham.

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Reflecting the shape of modern factories and warehouses that are swallowing up vast quantities of land. Vast, squat, featureless blocks built with no longevity in mind.

Again following from the theme of Monochrome I decided to create a disc and the add black stripes.

Plein -air Sketch made on a drizzly day in July at Lybster Harbour, Caithness.

Hand Painted reproduction of a Black Dog Labrador type

A selection of observational drawings made from small textile collages inspired by mark making in response to the Blast Beach in Seaham

Hand built slab pot of sitting cat

Handmade adjustable length leather cord with ceramic pendant/earrings

Hand painted reproduction of Spaniel Dog bust

Carbon Catchers, Oxygen Makers is an ongoing project which explores trees, their cultural, geographical, historical and ecological significance.

After making observational drawings on Seaham's Blast Beach, back in the stdio I explored some mark making techniques suggested by these plein air studies. These in turn were reiterated using scraps of textile, which in turn served as inspiration for further studies. I love 'working from work' - it really opens up possibilities. Even though some of the textile pieces were coloured, I reduced them to monochrome (grey scale). This really heightens one's awareness of tonal value - without the distraction of colour.

I slip cast these balls to see if abstract art work would look good on them. I am really pleased with the result

Handmade adjustable length leather cord necklace with ceramic doughnut pendant, and earring set. Seahorse design.

Handmade adjustable length leather cord necklace with ceramic doughnut pendant, and earring set

Handmade adjustable length leather cord necklace with ceramic doughnut pendant, and earring set

"Horizons Edge," a ceramic sculpture crafted from earthenware, embodies a delicate balance between form and finish. Its graceful, teardrop silhouette is rendered in smooth, white earthenware, the curves accentuated by an ethereal, airbrushed blend of grey and black acrylics. A glossy lacquer seals the surface, lending a subtle sheen to the transition of hues. The sculpture's essence lies in its simplicity, evoking a sense of tranquil transition and the quiet drama of a distant horizon. Its smooth, cool touch invites contemplation, the stark contrast of light and shadow playing across its flawless curves.

a Hand-painted reproduction Sculpture hand finished in a Granited effect on a wooden plinth.

As an animal lover there was really only one subject I wanted to paint when given a choice for the monochrome exhibition. I love big cats, and the lion in particular, who commands such authority and respect in his environment . He’s wild and free and always stands majestic.

Painted initially with February and Valentines in mind, before the postponement of this exhibition . Showing that Black and White are no different when it comes to love.

Mixed media Canvas showing a tree and its reflection in the middle of the lake

Carbon Catchers, Oxygen Makers is an ongoing project which explores trees, their cultural, geographical, historical and ecological significance.

Carbon Catchers, Oxygen Makers is an ongoing project which explores trees, their cultural, geographical, historical and ecological significance.

The original abstract image with its combination of sharp folds and crumpled areas resolved itself into a more figurative idea of a person seated at a desk with a book. The addition of stitching and a small amount of text was designed to enhance the image of a figure engrossed in thought which is mainly, but not entirely rational.

This image signifies the trauma of de-industrialisation associated particularly with mining in Seaham and the fragmentation of memory and social cohesion that was its consequence.

Inspired by artist Gustav Klimt. I'm a lover of tree paintings but was looking for a way of depicting a woodland scene in a different style. Developing and exploring new ways keeps painting interesting when painting in greyscale or a grey January day

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I find hawthorn hedgerows particularly intriguing because their interlacing tangle of branches form interesting patterns and unusual unexpected formations. In these two examples perhaps their lack of colour provide emphasis to their unique structures.

Photograph of a rocky outcrop of shale on Longsands Beach at Tynemouth
The strong directional light and laminated texture of the rock creates an strong and interesting linear pattern

Photograph of a rock/boulder on Seaham Blast Beach
It is difficult to tell the scale of this image - it could be anything from a small boulder to an aerial image of a barren lunar type landscape (in reality the subject was about 2 ft across)

Photograph of a disturbance/disconformity between two sand layers on the Blast Beach at Seaham
The way that the lighter layer has intruded into the darker layer created an interesting whilst , in some ways, unsettling pattern.

The image of the Madonna and child emerged from the lines and folds of the original mark-making. Surrounding that central piece are shapes that suggest clowns - hence the title of the piece. The shape produced by the folded paper is fragmented and fractured which seemed to emphasise the ways in which circuses operate - disrupting rationality. The stitching proceeded with this idea in mind, with the intention of enhancing the central image, and the paper was sewn onto the black textile circle to suggest the idea of a big top.

An abstracted landscape inspired by successive studies in a variety of materials inspired by visits to Seaham's Blast Beach. Micro shapes become macro and vice versa.

An abstraction of the view south along the cliffs towards Chourdon Point from Nose's Point at Seaham's Blast Beach. The found object is a section of pit conveyor belt more than likely from Dawdon Colliery. The image was developed from observational drawings of the scene made in different media, subsequently torn, displaced, inverted - in much the same way that successive industries did to this landscape for over a century.

An abstracted landscape using shapes and motifs from my observational studies made on Seaham's Blast Beach.

Black and white and greys depicting musical notes

A 3D visual representation of constructive wave interference. Inspired by patterns in nature.

Black ink and various sizes nibs. Not like my other works with soft&wiggly lines,it's more geometrical. Influenced by music of"Kraftwerk" band.

Bigger than normal piece which allowed me to explore freely the shapes and possibilities of the technique.
Listening to Baroque music.
Listening to Baroque music.

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I love abstract patterns and this exhibition lends itself to expressing abstract art work

Slices of Hawthorn branches were used in the design of this textile.The Hawthorn came from an ancient hedge which was cut down without permission. The wind sculpted hedge and the ecological system were lost forever showing a lack of respect for nature, the planet and historic landscape.

Blackbird silhouette singing in the moonlight surrounded by pieces of vinyl record and fabrics with hand stitching. Title taken from a Beetles song.

Hand embroidered dancing couple on a dark stained base cloth

A mixed media textile piece. Featuring a thrush hand embroidered singing at dawn and surrounded by a shattered vinyl single record.

A fabric collage featuring two magpies hand stitched to a reclaimed vintage table linen. Referencing the traditional rhyme ‘One for Sorrow’

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I have had great fun designing these vases and creating abstract designs for this exhibition

Still life

A monochromatic painting of a vase of flowers. It’s inspired by flowers bought to remind someone that you’re thinking of them, for no particular occasion… just because.

Monochrome pastel of the cliff top in winter.

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A monochromatic paining of a man fishing on the cliff top.

These pieces explore the idea that while two people may observe the same scene, their interpretations are shaped by their unique perspectives and emotions. Form & Formless XV presents one way of seeing this moment, while Form & Formless XV1 offers another, highlighting the fluid natu

These pieces explore the idea that while two people may observe the same scene, their interpretations are shaped by their unique perspectives and emotions. Form & Formless XV1 presents one way of seeing this moment, while Form & Formless XV offers another, highlighting the fluid nature of perception.

An abstract piece capturing the quiet transition from the end of a busy day to the gentle drift into sleep, where stillness and reflection take hold.

Plein-air sketch of cliff over looking Lybster Harbour on a drizzly day

Geli plate print

The plant foliage was growing into a tangled mass in my garden. I was struck by the rhythms set by the interplay of the dark, light and medium tones of the leaves.
(Previously exhibited at the RBSA. A smaller snowbound version of the plant was painted the following winter).

A charcoal drawing characterising the distortions created on the human body by working in the low seams of coal mines. The history of coal mining was inextricably tied up with the history of the modern age, though the industry is no longer relevant in Britain.

Slip casting with Porcelain paper Clay is not easy and some pieces work well and others come wonky when fired. I knew these would be wonky and they were designed to be that shape

The model is alone with her thoughts. She is also reflected in an angled mirror. To balance the composition, the striped sheet is included as a patterned relief to the tonality of the overall structure.
(This was previously exhibited in a joint retrospective at The Foxlowe Gallery in Leek, Staffordshire).

The Londonderry Offices were built in 1857 by the 3rd Marchioness of Londonderry to bring together the administration and management of the pits, railways, docks and other ancillary undertakings. It was later sold and used as the Seaham Police Headquarters before being transformed once again into private apartments known as Marquis Point. It became a listed building in 2014 as part of Seaham’s Conservation Area. The central tower is a very recognisable architectural feature to the local community and is a great subject for a monochrome study due to its stone façade.

Designed by local architects John and Benjamin Green (father & son duo) as part of Richard Grainger’s grand design for the city centre, the Theatre Royal opened its doors on 20 February 1837.
Its neoclassical architecture, sometimes referred to as Classical Revival architecture, is a style produced by the Neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century in Italy, France and Germany, and is characterised by a grandeur of scale, simplicity of geometric forms, Greek (especially Doric) or Roman detail, dramatic use of columns and a preference for blank walls
The dramatic protruding canopy allows for developing shadows and lends itself very well to a monochrome study.

The dramatic 90ft round tower of the Empire Theatre with its dome and revolving sphere that held a statue of Terpsichore, the Greek goddess of dance, is an example of Edwardian architecture with its boldly projecting cornice and oeil-de-boeuf dormers and arts & crafts bow windows in the upper floor.
It was designed by local architects William and TR Milburn and opened on 1 July 1907 by variety and vaudeville star Vesta Tilley, who had laid the foundation stone on 29 September 1906, and Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren made her stage debut here in 1968.
The building’s architectural detail and round tower lend itself to a monochrome study which hopefully has captured its curved shape.

Barclay House, Seaham, County Durham was built in the 1861 and was formerly known as Woods & Co Bank. It stands at the western end of Bath Terrace which was built in 1848 by eminent architect John Dobson and was originally planned as the model for the rest of the new town. It is now a listed building which is part of Seaham Conservation Area.
There is much detail to be observed in Barlcay House (which now houses Black Truffle Coffee Shop) – windows, brickwork and chimneys in different styles – which makes it ideal for a monochrome study.

Plein-air Sketch looking north from Lybster Harbour on a cold grey day.

Inspired by Seaham Lighthouse and coastline, I painted this seascape using a limited monochromatic palette.