• Marionsview
    With my roots in Somerset and branches blowing in the winds of Purbeck, Dorset,I am a country girl through and through. From a creative background of writers, woodworkers and artists, there have been many influences and mentors throughout my life, in particular Royal Academician, Tom MacArthur, who gave me drawing tips during many after school visits and my own mother, rocking horse maker Margaret Spencer who had in her youth painted miniatures in oils.
     She taught me never to judge anyone, smile at everyone and never lose the child within.

    I studied at Yeovil College under studio ceramicist Dave Brown and then took a BA in 3D Design Ceramics at Bath Academy of Art in the late 80s.
     After education, I collaborated with many local artists and opened a cooperative gallery/ shop  and was involved in the first Somerset Arts Weeks
     as well as selling my own work at fairs and retail outlets across the south west. 
     I am now a member of Purbeck Art Weeks & Dorset Arts and Crafts Association and continue to exhibit both sides of the border.




    “Whilst at college, I waivered between graphics and ceramics because I loved to draw,
     especially in fine pens so I did both in my foundation year but decided I was too messy to be a full-time graphic artist! 
    I love to hand build in clay, I find the process metamorphic and one idea often develops into something completely different as the work leads the way. 
    My early work was very sculptural and quite large, mostly stoneware and raku fired.
     Currently I am working with oxidized earthenware and stoneware
     on a small scale due to a restricted kiln size.
    I love to draw with fine pens and in details so last year I set myself ‘one brush challenge’ painting local scenes in acrylics, using just a 12mm flat brush to try and free my style,
     a process I found good to face the canvas after such a long break.

    Shortly before moving to America in 2001, I had become disillusioned with the craft fair scene which had become stale and full of the same old hobbyists and so many shops were accepting my work on sale or return but then going under, owing me money. 
    Getting into galleries was tough back then, ceramics was still struggling to be accepted as ‘art’ not ‘just pottery’. People just weren’t appreciating the work involved with hand made things and it seemed everyone had gone mad for cheap plastic and resin imports with which I could not compete. 
    My life took a different direction for a while and through various changes and bouts of ill health I gave up ceramics and only drew occasionally for pleasure.
    Returning after three years in the USA, I spent nine years working as a photographer /journalist on the local free papers covering Crewkerne, Chard and Ilminster; hectic but very enjoyable.
     I became inspired by the apparent resurgence of interested in the arts as I reported on arts weeks, workshops and gallery events. 
    It was a fascinating time for me, introducing me to so many good people and I watched a whole generation of school children achieve so many things. 
    Voluntary redundancy came at the right time for me after emergency surgery saved my life. A second surgery led to early menopause, depression, muscle pain and exhaustion which knocked my confidence and I withdrew from life somewhat.
    ~~~~~
     Since 2017 I have re-connected with everything that had fed my soul as a child and the need to express myself artistically, gradually re-emerged. I took the step of becoming involved in Purbeck Arts Weeks, firstly as a ‘behind the doors’ photographer and then exhibiting in Rollington Barn in 2018 and with Shop Dorset Makers 2019 I also had the pleasure of interviewing Yeovil artist, the late Ron Jesty, well known for his watercolours of the Purbeck landscape. His death and that of my lovely Mum, who always encouraged my art, led me to paint again.

    My mantra is ‘Look with the eyes and see with the heart’; influences come from a deep love of nature and appreciation of the life force of all things. Folklore and parallel worlds have always intrigued me and I appreciate anything that brings a smile. I talk to everything around me, animals, birds, trees, plants and even stones! I love the eccentricities of the world and the people in it. 
    My work is eclectic both in colour and form.
    Recently I have been experimenting with mixed media, particularly paper mache and am currently also illustrating a children’s story I have written and one penned by my sister Sharon Rossi. 

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