"Drawing and painting is something that I have always done. It was a natural progression to continue through to Art College. I have always been encouraged by friends and family.

As a girl growing up in the States I have memories of visiting family friends in their new home. One room was lit by a vast skylight in the ceiling and was used as an artist's studio. An unfinished copy of an oil painting by Renoir stood upright on an easel. I remember feeling captivated on seeing it for the first time. I feel influenced by the impressionists, particularly Monet and Degas.

I have an affinity for natural, balanced and colourful subjects. Contrast, light and repetition also have an important role. Painting on silk is the ideal medium for the work that I produce at present and in many ways acted as a catalyst for my own development as a painter.

When I first had paintings accepted by the Watergate Street Gallery in Chester I did feel that this was a measure of success. To be frank I feel that I have not yet produced my best work although I believe that I am moving nearer to attaining it.

Running a business has been difficult. Time is a major frustration. The previous three years have been a learning curve; and I feel that I am reaching a balance between business, family and my own work. I enjoy the challenge.

After 15 years, Anglesey has become home for me. My family and friends live on the island. I grew up in California, and I have lived in the North of England, but here is where I am happiest.

Ynys Môn is a beautiful island and is very individual, i.e. it does not conform to a person's usual expectations. One has the freedom to pursue one's own interests with the minimum of outside influence."

Curriculum Vitae

Qualifications

Certificate of General Art and Design 1979 (Course Work Assessment - Credit; Extended Essay - Distinction). N West Regional Diploma 1981 (Textile and Surface Pattern Design - Credit). TEC Higher Diploma 1983 Surface Pattern Design (1 year completed of 2). Business Planning Workshop Certificate with Antur Menai 1995.

Experience

Industrial training period - Goodacre Carpets Limited, Kendal. Facilitator at an exhibition of Tribal Arts of Central Asia. Numerous private commissions. Exhibition at Llys Llywelyn. Exhibition for Anglesey Show 1995.

Skills

Ability to create original design work to professional standards. Colourist. Experience with repeat structures. Colour separation to industrial standard. Screen printing. Photographic and darkroom work. Silk painting.

Interests

Mountaineering, skiing, camping, gardening, cooking, antiques, house renovation work.

Positions of responsibility

Married, two children. Scout Troop Instructor. Self-employed

Other qualifications

St John's First Aid Certificate. Scout Association Leader and holder of Mountain Leader Card. Business Planning Workshop Certificate.

Based on Anglesey since 1983. Established Felin Wen Studios 1995. Business activities include facilitating silk painting, workshops (mostly at the Ucheldre Centre at Holyhead), selling of greeting cards printed from own work, hand painted ties and scarves, design and production of hand printed silk ties for RAF Green Dragon Squadron of Cranwell.

Silk paintings available at Oriel Fach in Beaumaris and the Watergate Street Gallery of Art for All in Chester

Ability to work in other media.

Exhibitions

Llys Llywelyn June 1995; Oriel Bangor Christmas Crafts 1996; Oriel Ynys Môn Christmas Crafts 1996; Oriel Ynys Môn Christmas Crafts 1997; Beaumaris Leisure Centre 1997.

Societies and Guilds

Anglesey Craftworkers Guild; Tarddiad Origin Gwynedd

Awards & grants

Enterprise Allowance Scheme 1995; Small Business Investment Grant Ynys Môn County Council 1996; Small Business Investment Grant Ynys Môn County Council 1997.