Artistic Director/Artist

‘‘Art has been a constant throughout my life. After graduation, the realisation that it would become my work and passion, to take me on a journey of discovery, would provide me with the building blocks of citizenship and an awareness of social creativity. My work happens with the consent of an audience and the value of the human condition. Carnival offers me a vehicle to address issues of history, systems of belief and moral dilemma. Cultural creativity shapes our constructed environment in a positive and productive way.’’

Favourite Biscuit?

Dark chocolate digestive, ginger nut. Bourbon etc, etc etc.

Who makes the best cuppa?

It would be me, should anyone ever receive one.

Funniest Shademakers memory?

I’ve had over 30 years of memorable moments with Shademakers. In the latest phase, it’s hard to pin any one down. I have enjoyed spying on the team from the crows nest of the Shady lady, and I have split my sides laughing every time a member of the construction crew bangs their head, knees and shins on Shady Lady’s metal fixings during ‘get ins’. Despite donning an annual summer patchwork of cuts, scars and bruises, the air turned blue with vulgarity and colourful profanity has become a welcome feature of the seasons change.

Most favourite job and why?

A ‘foreigner’ to my ol’ dad, was any type of work performed outside the regular conditions of his full time job. I suppose a foreigner means pretty much the same to me. Carnivals throughout the World carry the same passionate significance to those taking part, and it feels great, to be part of a global family, all understanding the value of the ‘communal’ and ‘shared’ moments. Travelling anywhere with Shademakers brings out the strength and also the vulnerability which manifest in a selfless presentation of pride and sense of place on our planet.

Favourite Shademakers theme?

My favourite Shademakers theme. It’s so hard to say, I have remembered each one like yesterday. Each one has been a child, and none of them have been told off. I have always tried to make the best with what has been available, and began with nothing. The themes have been a chronology of my life, and I have been very lucky to have had the support of some very dear and dedicated people, and they are woven into every thread, minute and memory. I have experienced three generations of Shademakers people and each have given part of themselves to the fulfilment of a shared dream. I have been lucky to have had the choice to make Art, and the belief of an audience to see it. It is only sparked into life once the group gives it a life, marking time and completing the cycle.