Profile
I graduated from the BA Hons Theatre Practice, Scenic Art course at Central in 2001. When I first discovered the course, I was excited at the prospect of studying in such a creative and focused environment that would fuel my creativity, imagination and abilities. During my three years at Central I learnt the foundations needed to become a professional scenic artist and I was lucky to be taught by the legendary Sue Dunlop. The course enabled me to gain professional contacts and work experience whilst studying and transition seamlessly into the industry after graduation.
Post Central, I enjoyed a varied and successful freelance career, as a scenic artist, leading projects in the UK and Europe within theatre, film, TV, murals, events and advertising. The majority of my work has been in London, throughout the West End and other venues such as, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, ITV, Sotheby’s, Madame Tussauds, Sadler’s Wells, the Young Vic, the Unicorn Theatre, Hammersmith Apollo and the Donmar Warehouse.
In 2008, I returned to Central as a part-time visiting lecturer whilst continuing my active freelance career. In 2012 I joined the BA Theatre Practice team as a permanent, part-time member of staff and continue to actively paint, draw and research my subject. I pursue a career in fine art and regularly receive private commissions. I love working at Central in such a specialist environment and with small, focused year groups. I have found each year I can bring new ideas to the course which is constantly evolving, with research into current industries, new technologies, ideas and products. I’m a member of ASAM (Association of Scenic Artists and Makers).
Areas of Expertise
- Scenic Painting industry: Film, TV, Theatre and live events
- Collaboration and communication in a theatre production context
- Collaborative decision making in the process of making theatre
- Design interpretation
- Assessment of practice through reflection
- Eco friendly substitutes for Scenic Products and materials
- Scenic art and sustainability
External Practice
2021. Head of prop painting Captain Marvel 2 Disney Marvel films
2021. Head of Prop Painting in Armory Lucas films, Indiana Jones 5
2021. Prop Painting, Oxfam, Head of State for COP26
2021. Sign writing painting for commercial client
2020. Four large abstract canvas paintings for private client
2017. Freelance scenic artist Oxfam. Painting sculpted fibreglass heads of Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Theresa May, Emmanuel Macron, Paolo Gentiloni, Narendra Modi and Jacob Zuma.
2017. Painting an ultra violet sign for Rosco Paints.
2016. Experimenting with new products, paints and textures for Bristol paints.
2016. Commission painting, private client.
2015. Commissioned mural, private client.
2015. Supervising students painting a cloth for the pantomime Dick Whittington, Watford Place Theatre (designer Cleo Petitt).
2015. Industry master class, introducing scenic art to primary education.
2014. Workshops for young children ‘drawing large’.
2014 Industry master class, paint and texture workshops with years 5&6.
2014. Supervising a cloth painted by students for Pantomime Sleeping Beauty, Watford Palace Theatre (designer Cleo Petitt).
