Welcome to 'Batik Explorations'! My platform for sharing both my own batik work and that of my students.
I have been an art educator, teacher, tutor and lecturer since leaving art school. The first 20 years of my career were in mainstream and special school art teaching in Bristol, Wisconsin (USA) and Bath.
My main media is Batik as well as screen printing and block printing.
For years I ran workshops in a range of venues in and around Bath for arts trails and on request. I brought Batik to Bath Spa PGCE students and over the last 9 years, have delivered creative adult community courses across the Cam and Somer Valleys. These have included Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Timsbury, Farrington Gurney and in Bath for: Julian House, Childrens Services, St Johns Hospital Foundation and The Stroke Association.
I have become an expert in setting up equipment and materials in unlikely venues with improvised facilities! It is all possible with enough heaters for wax, tjantings (wax pens), light boxes, fabric and dyes. The last time I did this was last year, delivering batik workshops for GCSE and A Level students at the Holbourne Museum in Bath to enhance the experience alongside Turner Prize winner (2017) Lubaina Himid's exhibition.
In 2017, I set up 'The Engine Room's Art Group in my restored and converted Foundry building studio. This group has run weekly for the past 7 years, moving on line during Lock Down and returning in the grounds before safely moving back to the studio.
I have a passionate belief in unlocking the potential of every person that trusts me to enhance their creativity. I have been the education officer for the International Batik Guild (see website links) for several years, writing articles about the power of creativity to enhance mood and build self esteem in those with vulnerabilities.
My studio, south of Bath 'The Engine Room' has been the venue for two Batik Guild AGMs in 2015 and 2018. There are early plans for an event here in 2026! The Engine Room is an amazing large and light space bursting with equipment for several media and venue for annual local art trails for up to 4 artists exhibiting and me running sample workshops and showing my own batiks.
I love working in and teaching Batik but have also delivered courses at the nearby Ammerdown Centre in Photography; Screen Printing and r Right Brain drawing techniques.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING US:
Whether you have ideas that you want to realise or are looking for inspiration, Batik Exploration will enable you to start where you are and will move you at your own pace, to be inspired.
Absolute beginners are very welcome as well as the more experienced. You will receive all the attention that you feel that you need (or none! Your choice).
Look us up in BS39 and if you are within travelling distance, we would love to welcome you.
If you wanted to have your own day or weekend workshop here, we can accommodate up to 6 people in our beautiful home with ensuite rooms. Or, if you want a workshop at another venue, contact me and lets talk.
