While studying for my Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing in Ulster University, Belfast School of Art, I was honoured to be commissioned to create the ‘Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon, Rose Award Trophy’ for Rose Week. On completing my Degree in 2019, I was then accepted as Graduate in Residence, at Ulster University. During this time, I was commissioned to make another trophy, this time by Ulster University and Allied Irish Bank for the distinguished graduate award. During my time as Graduate in Residence, I was able take part in teaching some classes and was pleased to achieve  Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Authority. In 2019/20, I also had the honour of my jewellery being selected for the Gift shop, at the N.I. Assembly Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

I have enamelled work exhibited with the British Society of Enamellers and Internationally in the ‘Under Fire 3’ Exhibition. More recently, I was really pleased to have a new piece of my work exhibited in Craft NI Gallery, during August Craft Month, as part of the ‘Re-New’ Exhibition. I like to take the traditional craft of vitreous enamelling and in my own style, portray various aspects of nature.

The inspiration for this latest ‘Renewed Collection’, was during the numerous lockdowns over recent times. When quite a lot of us turned to our garden, walks and nature. I have been thinking more about the environment and the Earths’ dwindling insect population. I hope that my new work will engage the viewer and draw their attention to the beauty of nature and the amazing colours and forms that can be found in the insect world. Decline of their numbers is real and has been measured only in a few parts of the world. Indeed, the less studied areas hold the biggest diversity of insects, so the problem is larger than we imagine.

After some research I discovered that beetles symbolise transformation and renewal and this along with some of the recycled materials used, is the reason I named this collection ‘Renewed’. Each piece of vitreous enamel is kiln fired and this means that each piece is completely unique.