“I only knew upholstery from TV makeover programmes and books on the subject, I knew I would feel more confident to make textiles for upholstery purposes if I was physically shown the practice.  I am now more aware of what a fabric needs to deliver.

“Experimenting with a mentor in the print studio and specifically working with a new mono-print technique for the both of us, released a new form of expression for me.  The types of marks I used in the print studio stayed inside me and found a way out onto canvas while I was painting on site at the Ness excavation. 

“I used my award to purchase materials, equipment and online tutorials for oil painting. My  main goals were to learn to paint with oils and to establish a regular practice for myself. I feel that I achieved this, though health issues and other matters got in the way of my possibly over ambitious vision of 2-3 days a week of study and practice. However,

“The grant received contributed to the costs of a new computer as well as professional photography of my work. With new software and skills I have been able to update my own website, successfully engage with meetings online, learn new skills including hosting an online exhibition.

“During the month of May 2021, I was able to spend an intensive period of time working in the studio and exploring the use of new surfaces such as kaolin, mica and silver leaf, with a particular focus on the latter.