As a child I used to love visiting the library with my Dad. Whilst there I discovered Rubens and, Gauguins richly coloured women. When we travelled I experienced the boldness of Picassos’ women in Barcelona and in Albi, Lautrecs vibrant rotund clownesse squeezing herself into an impossibly small tutu. They all left a lasting impression. At sixteen I started working with clay and quickly realised that the generosity of the material was perfect for expressing the character, heart, and humanity of women.