Who are you?
I am an artist, designer and educator currently exploring the spatial, architectural and narrative capabilities of clay. I am interested in the ability of spaces to act as vessels for storytelling and collective imagination. My current research focuses on the relationship between human and clay bodies; between sexual encounter, materiality and creation.
I studied architecture at the Architectural Association, in London, and have practiced internationally as an artist, designer and journalist. I co-founded and run the enterprise Drawing the City, and currently teach architecture and interior architecture. Academically, her design briefs question the material configuration and craftsmanship of spaces. I have worked in the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Cameroon, the USA, China and Japan. My work has been exhibited and published internationally.
What are you inspired by?
My works have spaces and the life within them as a point of departure. I am interested in the capacity of spaces to act as vessels for storytelling and collective imagination – I think it is stories in spaces, not the spaces themselves, that shape human experience. At the same time, I am interested in manifesting, through my work, ‘the flow of the universe’, that what happens ‘of itself’. Natural growth formations are beguiling - my latest body of work is in fact an ode to natural growth patterns, particularly those found in submarine settlements.
What was the last movie you watched?
The last time I went to the cinema I watched The Danish Girl, although I watch movies at home quite regularly. Pan's Labyrinth I think was the last one I watched, maybe for the millionth time.
What was the last book you read?
I love to read and always find inspiration in myths, legends and novels. The last book I have finished is Dear Life by Alice Munro. I am currently reading The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan and look forward to La Fiesta del Chivo by Mario Vargas Llosa which has been haunting me from my bedside table for years.
Do you have any role model?
I admire several people for different reasons, personal, artistic or intellectual; but I don't think I have singled out a "role model" that I look up to religiously. Who do I think is a role model for tenacity? Probably my grandfather. But a role model in terms of my art? That's a more complex question to answer; and in fact, the answer changes all the time. I will discover a certain artist and research everything they have ever made, trying to imbue myself with their sensibility. Then I will discover another and the cycle starts again.
What is your next creative project?
I have various exhibitions coming up, as well as an artist residency in Stockholm next year.
What do you like about Portfoliobox?
Where do I start?
I have been a long-term customer of Portfoliobox. I like it more and more as time goes by. In the beginning I loved the very clear interface that showed me how to create my website for the very first time, when I was very much a novice. Since then, I have created at least another 4 websites using the service, for myself and others.
The customer service is absolutely fantastic - they always respond promptly within 24 hours. Others have said this already but you can't really overstate the quality of the Portfoliobox customer service. Another thing I really like is the SEO and e-commerce tips that can be found in the Help section.
Finally, I have recently upgraded my site to Portfoliobox 3 (their new interface), and I must say it offers amazing new possibilities. Highly recommended.
