My work is inspired by the natural world, and in particular, birds. Since drawing a Griffon Vulture at Bristol Zoo as a student, I have incorporated birds in flight, running, walking and occasionally turning into people, in my work. Recently rooks have become a recurrent theme. The sight and sound of them is, to me, the very essence of the English countryside. Swallow and swifts also have a very special place, as they return to us each year, symbols of the cycle of life and the changing seasons.

Since leaving art school, I have been painting and printmaking, selling etchings through various galleries and open exhibitions. Recently I have expanded my printmaking to include collagraphs. Rich textures are created using strong PVA to stick different textures onto the plant, sand, textured paper, grasses, or the glue itself swirled or dribbled onto the surface. It is then printed in the same way as an etching, using damp paper and a press.

I have also branched out into silk painting, which has allowed me to use vibrant colour and to work on a much larger scale. I have been commissioned to make large hangings for theatrical use and also for public spaces which include:

• backdrops for the Tower Arts Centre, Winchester;
• the Company of Strangers, a Bristol based theatre company;
• a costume for the All Electric Puppet Theatre;
• various paintings and puppets for Patchwork Polly, a children's show.

I was commissioned to make two silk hangings for Salisbury Festival 2002. They hung in the West End and were designed specifically for the "In Praise of Trees" exhibition and formed a backdrop for the Festival concerts.

I completed a Millennium community project - Broughton Banners - making silk banners for village organisations and involving people of all ages from pre-school children to retired people.