Ripley

classes: Pottery • Drawing • Painting

Women-owned

I got started with my life as an artist when I went to do a one-week decorative painting effects course after having 3 children and being a stay-at-home mum. It was bliss; I loved it, and from then I wanted a job in something I loved. From here, I went to university, studied for a Sustainable Design degree, and went on to set up as an artist/maker specializing in ceramic sculptural work. I have always taught alongside making my work; I love sharing what I do and often discovering other things while teaching. I was diagnosed autistic late in life, only 3 years ago, and now love to teach autistic learners too. I now make ceramic sculptures, paint, and draw, sometimes incorporating all into a mixed media piece of art. I have exhibited my work locally and nationally; my first solo show was at Buxton Art Gallery. I have over 30 years of experience teaching workshops, having taught at Tate St Ives for 5 years, taught 300 people in one weekend at Kirstie Allsopp's Handmade Fair, and set up my own craft cafe in Cornwall, now in Derbyshire. I also have a PGCE, and I’ve taught in many schools and now teach autistic children from my studio. I was on East Midlands Today when I returned to Derbyshire from Cornwall, as I exhibited some ceramic sculptures in the Tate Modern in a staff exhibition, which was very exciting!

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