Pamela is a York based painter and printmaker whose striking work has been exhibited throughout the country. Graduating from Manchester College of Art in 1971, Pamela originally made a career in theatre before being introduced to collagraph printmaking. Inspired by the Yorkshire landscape, she uses a range of materials and processes to achieve her visually stunning pieces. Pamela's work is currently on display in our exhibition 'Four Seasons in One Day', which runs until the 24th of May

Which artists do you find most inspiring?

Chiefly Matisse for the sheer joy of his colour, line, vision. Favourite periods are the works he made between 1904 -1917 and then his later work including the famous cut paper images - AND the stained glass in the chapel at Vence which I saw two summers ago.

When did you first decide to become an artist?

I 'evolved' into a printmaker first, having learnt the technique of collagraphy from Peter Wray in the mid '90's. I had trained as a fashion designer at Art College but went on to study stage design and followed this career for some years, eventually coming to York to work in exhibition design. I've been drawing and painting all my life so decided to produce work expressing my own vision.

What is your favorite medium to work in and why?

I love the freedom and the restrictions that making collagraph prints demands. It is a very direct way to make an image - collaging/painting/sewing etc etc. onto cardboard. I appreciate the small editions that are produced by this method. I like to use acrylics when painting because of the fast drying time which allows one to quickly change, adjust, layer the colours.

What is your studio like?

My studio is a lovely airy space just about 21 sq. meters which was built onto the back of the house, taking away much of the garden but allowing me to design a small 5m sq. walled garden with raised beds. It is loaded with flowering plants and climbers and is my great delight. I try to keep colour and interest going right through all four seasons.

Do you work with music or silence?

I like to listen to Radio 3 and 4 but I also enjoy silence, depending on my mood!

Can you remember the first piece of work that you were really happy with?

I honestly think that one can hardly ever be completely happy with a piece - you think that you've achieved what you wanted - and then months or years later you wish you could remove it from the frame and adjust the colour - or add something (- or simply destroy it!)

Do you have any advice for emerging artists?

In my opinion, you must create what you want to create and not worry about what's fashionable. Work can only convince if it's sincerely trying to express what's important to you.

Do you use a sketchbook or just go for it?

I use a sketch book when I go out drawing on the Yorkshire Wolds, my favourite landscape. I usually only take charcoal, a rubber and some white chalk.

Do you come from an artistic background?

I don't come from an artistic background. I was brought up by my mother who was a factory worker and who didn't have the chance of education past the age of fourteen. Because of this she was always very encouraging of me in my artistic interests and I benefitted from a Grammar school education in the Sixties. I was able to go to Art College for four years in Manchester in the early Seventies, which was a wonderful privilege and opportunity.

Describe you perfect day:

My perfect day would be spent walking through English countryside with my husband and friends (ideally there would be time for me to sit and draw, but this isn't usually possible!). There has to be a good tea shop with home-made cakes en route!