Tell us a little about yourself.
I have only been teaching at the University for a year. For most of my life I have been a self-employed artist. I did a foundation course here in Carlisle in 1985. I think I’ve learned a bit about making art and I applied for the job because I thought I had things to pass on.
Let us know more about your industry/practice background.
During my career I have exhibited both nationally and internationally working with galleries and museums. I have made paintings, prints, posters, objects and installations. I have also undertaken a number of public commissions which have involved working with communities to produce murals and performances.
What research area do you specialise in?
Currently I'm working on an installation of toy figures in a toy landscape which will reflect on current issues.
What modules do you teach and what is your favourite part of these?
I teach on the Fine Art B.A. and within that I lecture on art history and contemporary art. However, I most enjoy the individual and group tutorials which are a mainstay of the course.
What makes your course different?
The artist is a public figure and Fine Art is about learning to understand your imagination and relating that understanding to the issues which people face. It’s about acquiring hand skills so you can visualise or fabricate the things your imagination proposes. It’s about learning to look at and through things. There’s nothing to beat it.
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
Be ready to work – to get it wrong and do it again until it’s right.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
The Brampton Road campus.