Artist Statement

I work in Stoneware clay and porcelain which I fire to mid range in oxidation. The work is handbuilt sculpture, usually referring to political and current issues.
In the work at present in development I, as so many people are doing, question the role and meaning of Monarchy in the United Kingdom.
This form of Constitutional Monarchy, defined in the 17th century amid great turmoil, is being questioned in the transition from the long reign of Queen Elizabeth II to that of Charles III.
So the questions that arise for me are: does the Monarchy make fools of us all, or does it inspire; lead; represent what this people stand for? Is it a staged fantasy, an illusion, or is it that which links us to the core memories of greatness and war; achievement and struggle; glory and hopefulness?
Each person will have a different answer and only with difficulty will that answer be divorced from the personalities who in the present embody the Institution.
And another question: what is it like to live in an institution? Does it constrain or protect? Hilary Mantel once wrote "Marie Antoinette was a woman eaten alive by her frocks. She was transfixed by appearances, stigmatised by her fashion choices. Politics were made personal in her..." And so with our Royal family, though of course not with the same results. I continue this search and enjoy the diversity of perspectives the subject constantly serves up. I hope you do too.