Tell us a little about yourself.
I have taught on the Fine Art programme since 2005. Prior to this, I was a part-time Visiting Artist/Guest Lecturer in Fine Art from 1996 onwards.
Having graduated from the Fine Art Foundation course at Cumbria College of Art & Design with a Distinction in 1991, I maintained strong ties with the college and the Fine Art staff. It was this connection which brought me to the college as a permanent member of staff almost 20 years ago.
Let us know more about your industry/practice background.
Before joining the University of Cumbria, I spent a hugely rewarding 8 years teaching in the Scottish Prison Service. I was based predominantly at HMP Perth – a maximum-security jail housing life-sentence prisoners. However, in my first few years as a Prisoner Learning Lecturer I worked in HMP Shotts, Glenochil, Edinburgh and HMYOI Polmont.
What research area do you specialise in?
Having graduated from Glasgow School of Art’s BA Hons Drawing & Painting course and Winchester School of Art’s MA European Fine Art programme and more recently, with a PhD from the University of Cumbria, my specialism is drawing and painting with an emphasis on figuration. Over the past 20 years my practice has explored key themes such as power, violence and the State. Examples of my work can be found in publications such as The Tension of a Line: A Portrait of Perth Prison (2010) and Scotland the Brave: A Graphic History of Scotland 1514-2014 (2014). I will present a new series of oil paintings on panel – Fun & Games: Seascapes of Scotland’s Coastline – in The Vallum Gallery, University of Cumbria in October 2024.
What modules do you teach and what is your favourite part of these?
I am Programme Leader for BA Hons Fine Art and contribute across all undergraduate modules, the Integrated Foundation Year and the MA Creative Practice programme. The most rewarding and fulfilling part of my job is supporting undergraduate students in the further development of their voice and its presence in the world.
What makes your course different?
The Fine Art programme at the University of Cumbria provides a bespoke education in Fine Art for each and every student. Our staff team have, collectively, 90 years’ experience of lecturing and making art. With an emphasis on unpacking our individual and shared experience of the world around us, the Fine Art staff team are committed to helping students develop to their fullest potential whilst articulating their personal vision of the world around them.
What advice would you give to students considering studying on this course?
The Fine Art programme is designed for people who are passionate about art and art making. If you have an insatiable desire to make art, develop your 2D and 3D hand-skills and expand your awareness of modern art, then we are the course for you.
What’s your favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria?
My favourite thing about teaching at Cumbria is working with undergraduate students and helping them to tell their particular stories about their lives, their interests and the places they come from.
And, finally…
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I love John Wayne!