SALLY DAWSON

I have a lovely studio at Wainsgate following many years not doing any art.

After a BA in Fine Art at Portsmouth Poly 1981 [in performance art and photography] I created and toured some live performances – either on my own or as part of exhibitions. Then I stopped doing art and supported other women artists by coordinating Feminist Arts News [FAN] magazine and was involved in The Pavilion – women’s photography centre, in Leeds. I was also an advisor in photography at Yorkshire Arts and wrote a few articles in art journals and books.

I developed a nagging urge to do art of some sort, so joined in with community art events after moving to Hebden Bridge, made costumes to wear at festivals and did a bit of life drawing. I went on to develop a shamanic practice, in nature, and managed to let go of whatever was stopping me and found a studio! I now go and paint and love using colour and shape to build images – mainly of women I admire who are usually my friends.