Illustrated Bio 1967 - 1994

1967

Born: London 1967

We live in Hong Kong from 1970 to 1983, when I return to London to live with my grandparents.

My Grandmother Luis, instrumental in encouraging me to develop my love of art. As well as a painter herself, Luis had an inspiring Bohemian glass collection from her native Czechoslovakia.

1986 - 1989

A visit to the glass course at Farnham College inspires me to use glass as a medium. Initially I train in industrial ceramic design at Middlesex Polytechnic, giving me the model and mould making skills I still use in my work.

The part time glass department run by Maureen Robinson allows me to experiment and play with glass, leading to a place on the glass course at the Royal College of Art.

1989 - 1991

The ideas and technical skills I develop at the Royal College of Art are central to the evolution of curved and sweeping forms I have created since. Particularly inspiring is a trip to New York, especially the Pacific collection at the Metropolitan Museum.

1991 - 1994

I accept an offer to become the studio demonstrator at the University of Sunderland, which gives me teaching experience and studio space. During this time I also teach in the glass departments at Edinburgh College of Art and Glasgow School of Art.

My work is selected for "Le Verre" an international glass exhibition in Rouen, France. In 1993 I receive a setting up grant from the Crafts Council, London.

1994

I return to London to set up my first workshop in a garage at my mother's house. My work is selected for "The Glass Show" a major touring exhibition by the Crafts Council, and I have my first show case at the V&A.

Michael Taylor and I get married at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall. The landscape on our honeymoon to California provides huge inspiration for my next body of work.