Last update  04 mars 2013

Shell Artist

I often get commissions near the seaside.

It is great for me as I always try to incorporate as many local shells as possible, by doing this I often find new shells that I have not yet worked with . Not all of my shell work is carried out on location. Sometimes it is prepared or completed in my workshop.

Over the years I have collected a large assortment of shells, I use this collection for my work unless I am asked to use specific shells or colours.

I do buy shell from shell specialists, choosing ones that are commonly available at the time.

I never use endangered species.

This piece was used as the front cover for the book "The shell"

For the Tain Mussel Project, I had to set up a workshop in the north of Scotland. From there all my project work was created.

Blott in Scotland for the Tain mussel project

In my workshop

I tend to mainly create shell work base on texture where I only use one type of shell. The light plays a big role in these creations as on the cover of « The Shell » book. My interest in knitting patterns is visible in Ballymaloe but I work motifs out on a smaller scale.