I have been working in metal since 1997. First as an artist blacksmith making anything from gates and railings to lamps and furniture. I designed everything I made and produced them using traditional techniques – forging hot over an anvil.
Following a major back operation a couple of years ago I changed direction, studied sculpture, design and silversmithing.
Now I work from a much smaller workshop. I still forge iron (but with a smaller hammer!) but I also use silver, copper, brass and leather. I make jewellery, candle holders, vases and other small decorative items.
Most of my designs are spontaneous, drawing on my years of experience. However, if I’m going for a cleaner more studied look I’ll design digitally and have the components laser-cut.
I love to sculpt in metal sometimes incorporating stone. I also paint in watercolour sometimes mounted in steel - with striking effects.
I am especially influenced by art nouveau and brutalism - an amazing combination, although as styles they are poles apart!