In a few words, who are you?
I am a British/Belgian painter and photographer. I grew up in England, but now live and work in Tervuren, Belgium. My process starts when I go for walks with my camera, looking for beautiful and intriguing things. I seek inspiration in unexpected places, such as in the way paint has peeled off a wall or door, or the patterns in the bark of a tree, or in the remnants of posters on a notice board. Some of these photos work in their own right, while others act as a springboard for paintings.
When and how did you get into your artwork?
As a child, I loved to draw, and at primary school my favourite subject was art. Lessons were in a huge barn filled with powder paints, clay, inks, crayons and paper. We had a very inspiring teacher who was joyful and encouraging.
At senior school, we were encouraged to focus on academic subjects and I went on to study French and German at university. After that, I worked as a journalist in London, and then moved to Belgium with my husband in 1989. It was not until our youngest child was born that I rediscovered my passion for art.
I found an art academy in Overijse, called Beeldende Kunst Overijse (BKO). Here the teachers were dedicated to bringing out the best in their students. The lessons were challenging and stimulating and brought my work to a much higher level. I studied drawing, painting and photography at BKO, finishing with a two-year specialisation in painting.
What does this discipline bring to you?
Enormous joy. I love the whole process, from finding photos for inspiration, to choosing canvases, to mixing paint colours, to playing with different media and marks until I have a satisfying painting.
It has also given me a lovely way to connect with other people. I enjoy going to exhibitions and galleries with friends and inviting people to my studio to share my artwork.
What makes your artwork unique?
Each of my paintings is a journey of discovery. I turn up at the studio each day to take another step on the journey. Sometimes I can see the path clearly, but at other times it can feel like I’ve gone in the wrong direction. It’s only by starting to paint that I find my way. Each new turn in the path adds depth to the painting – new textures, new collage, new brush strokes or areas of printing. Even paintings that finish with a simple composition have many rich layers underneath. This exploration makes each of my paintings unique, even within my own body of work.
What do you think are the important qualities of an artist?
Creativity and a desire to express yourself visually, along with an interest in problem solving. You need to be true to yourself and trust your instincts. Persistence, dedication and daring are vital. Finally, it helps if you’re in love with what you’re doing and have fun while you’re working.
What are the characteristics of a Belgian artist?
A Belgian artist has enormous freedom to work in whatever way he or she chooses. There is a huge variety of artwork being created in Belgium today, from sculptures made with light, to graffiti, video, photography and conceptual art, as well as more traditional media such as painting. Belgian artists can take inspiration from the monumental flying machines of Panamarenko or the playful paintings of Magritte. A Belgian artist has vision and daring. Their work is original to the point of being eccentric, even a little crazy.
What is surrealism for you?
For me, surrealism is about seeing things differently, having a sense of fun and being playful with ideas. It’s about seeing poetry in everyday objects. In my own work, it might be about finding beauty in old, dirty windows, or in the way woodworm have tunneled through an ancient wooden door.
Why is surrealism important?
Surrealism invites us to explore new ways of thinking. It opens us to magic, fantasy and dreaming. When we are struggling or are confronted by images of war, poverty, and environmental destruction, it is uplifting to be reminded that there is beauty and magic in the world too.
What do you like about Belgium that you cannot find anywhere else?
So many things: the elegant lines of Art Nouveau buildings; hand-made chocolates; the museum of the Fondation Folon at Chateau de la Hulpe; all the different languages and cultures; Tervuren Park, where I love to walk and take photos of the trees; the weather – lots of rain means it’s good to stay indoors and use your imagination; and the Mannekin Pis, which is such a subversive, fun little emblem.
