My story
From Cornwall’s seascape to its wild inland moors, the natural world is an ever-evolving source of inspiration.
I grew up in the Cornish fishing village of Newlyn. This is a place shaped by nature, where rugged grit and determination are cushioned by a smoother, softer spirit. Among its winding streets and busy harbour, creativity springs and flows like water.
Here in west Cornwall – where I can trace my family back to the 1700s – I work with thoughtfully sourced flora, fauna, and marine life. Alongside Cornwall’s fishermen and markets, I’m able to continue the journey of their catch.
The art of Gyotaku
Gyotaku is rooted in Japan’s fishing history and was pioneered as an easy way for fishermen to record their catches. Applying ink to a fish, they would print it onto paper as a lasting memento; a practice that, over time, evolved into an art in its own right.
My own creative variation came about almost by chance, while searching for a rainy-day activity with my granddaughter, Elsie Rae. Inspired by a Gyotaku fish print on my kitchen wall, we set out to create our own interpretations using a mackerel from the local fishmonger.
For Elsie Rae, the result was a proud clutch of handmade mackerel paintings, but for me, it was the start of something far bigger. Later that day, I realised that by adding more detail using hand-drawn lines, I could layer a sense of the mackerel’s energy and movement over the print. The resultant design ultimately became the first of my collection.
Values and mission
With sustainability and circularity as my driving passion, a respect for the sea and its creatures shines through my creative journey.
