Two and a half years ago I chose to move to Newmarket. I did several art workshops and taught locally.  Six months after the move my son was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which inevitably had a huge impact on our lives. Since I have been caring for him I have had to rethink what I do as an artist and art teacher.  I asked myself the question, what is Newmarket famous for?  I responded by investigating the horse racing industry. 

In spare moments I took myself out and visited the Horse Racing Museum, the National Stud and walked for miles observing my new environment.  I was conscious that drawing horses was not for me!  I thought about my own strengths and saw the connection with them and the racing colours.

I researched the racing silks worn by the jockey, which represent the owner, until I formulated a plan.   I had to consider how to interpret my ideas. If you look at my website, you will discover I am a versatile artist that has specialised in a variety of mediums over the years.  I had to take into account, how the facilities and timescales available to me, restricted the possibility of doing anything practical like ceramics.

 I decided I would revisit painting; which I had not done for years.  I experimented with acrylics and gradually the designs developed.   I believe the bold designs and intense, happy colours would have a tremendous impact in a big space and I would love the opportunity to scale up to something really big.  I hope you like them.

I have been designing and making art & craft work all my life. When my children went to school I seized the opportunity of returning to college to study Art at Hertford Regional College where I attended a two year Access to Art & Design swiftly followed by an HNC also in Art & Design. I enjoyed studying so much that I wanted to share my enthusiasm with others and went on to take a Certificate in Education with Greenwich University. I have spent five years lecturing in the Art department at Hertford Regional College then two years teaching Art and Ceramics at Hockerill Anglo European College, Bishop’s Stortford.

As an artist I am excited when presented with a challenge, in either two or three dimensions, in which I see the potential for an adventure. My curiosity and imagination thrive on exploring, developing and creating, using any material or medium suitable for the application.

My work is available by commission to order, for further information please email:
admin@paulawilson.co.uk

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Ceramics

Before the move to Newmarket I had a studio at Parndon Mill, Harlow, where I worked in ceramics. I hand built, burnished and smoke fired, small, large and unconventional shaped coiled pots, whilst researching techniques practised in Africa, India, ancient Cyprus and the Pueblo potters of the American South West. I explored smoke firing in a pit and resist methods of creating decorative surfaces.

I have exhibited at:

• Art Shed, Ware
• Anglian Potters-Jesus Lane Cambridge, Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham
• Courtyard Arts, Hertford
• Gibberd Gallery, Harlow
• Parndon Mill Gallery, Harlow
• Rhodes Centre, Bishop’s Stortford

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Textiles

I am particularly attracted to ancient processes and materials and their place in modern society. Felt making falls into this category and is a versatile medium that has provided warmth and protection to man for centuries. I enjoy making practical objects and abstract decorative wall hangings that capture a memory “How it felt”. Following research and design, this process involves preparation of the fleece by dying to appropriate colours, felting, layering, stitching and manipulation.