HOME GROWN:

Art whose inspiration comes in on the tide

MIXED media artist Shirley Vauvelle combines her skills in painting, ceramics and beachcombing to create pictures and sculptures.

She worked for 10 years as a designer maker after graduating from Leicester Polytechnic in 1989. After taking time out to raise her three sons, her pent up creativity is now being put to good use. Based near Scarborough, she has built up a small business producing contemporary pieces, which are shown in galleries across the country. Her wall hung sculptures and box frames are most popular. She uses white earthenware to hand-build flowers and creatures. Texture is embossed into their surface and under glazes and oxides are applied to give layers of colour. These are then assembled together with driftwood, wire, reclaimed maps, vintage magazines and interesting finds from local beaches.

Shirley will be showing at Art In the Pen, a visual arts fair at Skipton Auction Mart on August 17 and 18. For details visit www. artinthepen.org.uk; www.shirleyvauvelle. co.uk