I decided to formalise my lifelong interest in art and obtained a First Class BA (Hons) Art Practice and Theory Degree in 2006 from Lancaster University.
Within my art I attempt to dispel the sentiment that art doesn’t reflect world events by exploring socio-political issues.
I was inspired by the writings of the Art Critic John Berger. Berger defines the present historical period as “the time of the Wall” noting that although the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, many have since been erected – concrete, bureaucratic, surveillance, security, racist, zone walls. In conjunction with these he believes that walls of separation exist within us all.
On finishing my degree I was offered a Residency at Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre. I named my Residency “Walls”:
My work echoes post-modern pluralism by being diverse and eclectic both in method and materials. Within the Residency I used mainly (single) bricks as my chosen material to symbolically dismantle the dark nature of walls but I also created two Photographic Exhibitions in collaboration with Lancaster Student Islamic Society:
“What Makes Me Laugh” and “Sweet Dreams”
These were created to challenge the sinister stereotype being presented in our Mainstream Media of Muslims following the London Bombings of 7/7/2005 and the “Veils Row” initiated when Jack Straw refused to see Muslim women who wore the Niqab (face veil) in his surgery.
Islamophobia then as now was rife.
Both toured extensively with the latter being exhibited in Liverpool, supported by the Cornerstone Gallery, Hope University as part of the City’s European City of Culture and Independent Biennial Celebrations.
At the end of my Residency I was offered a Sponsorship by the Chaplaincy and explored issues around Bangladesh, which is at the forefront of the effects of Climate Change. I created a “Floating English Garden” to highlight the contrast of our gardens for leisure to that of the floating gardens of Bangladesh which are a necessity for farmers to grow their crops with increasing land loss due to rising sea levels. “Floating Garden” was launched on Lake Carter, Lancaster University and remained for the duration of One World Week.
My final work with the Chaplaincy was a Commission to create an Art Exhibition for the 32nd Annual Justice & Peace Conference organised by the National Justice & Peace Network, Environmental Working Group and the Lancaster Diocese Faith & Justice Commission: entitled “Our Daily Bread, Food Security, People and Planet. This was held at The Hayes Conference Centre – Swanwick, Derbyshire. The Exhibition I created was called “Tipping Point”.
In 2008-2009 Israel attacked Gaza (Operation Cast Lead). During this 23 day invasion over 1,000 Palestinians were killed including 353 children (Defence of Children International.
My response as ever was to create art to highlight the atrocities incurred.
A fuller background about the work I intended to create can be seen on the “Precious Flowers” page of this site, suffice to say here that the diagnosis of terminal cancer and ultimate death of my husband in conjunction with my own journey with cancer stopped not only the creation of this work but my career as an Artist. His absence rendered pursuing this life path futile for me.
The Genocide in Gaza has been my catalyst to create art again culminating in the Exhibition – Ghostly Fragments:Roots And Wings To Fly.
“Precious Flowers” was my gateway. It plays a part also in my latest exhibition “Gauze”.