About Me
I have been very lucky to combine working as an Interior Designer and being a Painter.
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There are many areas that overlap working with colour, texture, light and space. The subtle difference between the two is the Design process for me is a collaborative exercise, working with a Client to understand needs and resolving problems, painting however is indulgently my own response to the world.
Both are immensely satisfying and enriching, I will be forever grateful to have a creative life.
"If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint."
- Edward Hopper
About My Artwork
I am a collector of memory scraps and visual treats
I record the world around me – places, people and nature.
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My work is a reflection of the things I love; landscapes, plants and trees, how they constantly change with time, season and weather and I try to record my response to these progressions. I am a big believer in Shinrin-yoku, the relatively modern Japanese concept of forest bathing to benefit health and mood.
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My painting process starts by building up layers, loosing layers, scratching back into layers to find an image. I often use collage and found items to create the first marks and build up with fluid paint and glazes.
CV
Design
2006 – to present Director Box Construction Ltd, Melbourne, Derbyshire.
2016 – to present Freelance Design Consultant - Jo Polmear Interior Design
1998 to 2016 – Founder & Director, Creative Group, Design Practice, Lichfield, Staffs.
1996 to 1998 - Senior Designer, Tibbatts Design Ltd, Birmingham, West Mids.
1990 to 1996 – Interior Designer, Harrison Design Co, Birmingham, West Mids.
Education
2020 – 2021 - Studio Practice, Newlyn Art School, Cornwall
2019 - 2019 - Defining Practice, Newlyn Art School, Cornwall
1987 – 1990 - BA Hons 3D Design at Birmingham City University
1986 – 1987 - Art Foundation course at Harrogate Art College, N.Yorks
Exhibitions & Prizes
2022 Peak District Artisans Showcase, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
2022 The Dome Art Fair, Buxton, Derbyshire with Peak District Artisans
2021 Peak District Artisans Autumn Show, Whitworth Center, Derbyshire
2021 Wirksworth Arts Festival - selected for online exhibition
2021 Three Counties Open Arts - Barewall Gallery Award Winner
2021 Studio Practice Exhibition, PZ Gallery Penzance, Curated by Jesse Leroy-Smith
2021 Lichfield Festival of Folk - Highly Commended
2019 Lichfield Festival of Folk – Winner
2018 Lichfield Society of Artists - Award Excellence in Watercolour