Transformed

PAMELA McTurk aims to create new worlds within her artwork, generating a sense of mystery and wonder - no doubt motivated by the same curiosity that fuelled her interest in biological science and the natural world.

"My father's passion for medieval art and artefacts, my mother's background in science and growing up in rural Devon have all influenced my work," she informs me.

She says the sources of her material are both the 'minutiae' within the landscape and the human artefacts often placed inside.

"I use photography as a quick and easy method of recording objects and places, using my sketchbook to record my impressions and responses to places and exhibitions."

Once in the studio the charcoal comes out creating a drawing, before Pamela slowly builds her picture and inner space using layers of oil paint.

"The subjective transformation that occurs during the painting process is the most important element in the final work."

The Leicester-based artist was in her forties before she focused on her artistic side and, with the backing of her husband, gave her job up as an electron microscopist and went off to art college.

Since the late 1980s the offers of exhibitions have flowed in - the latest, Transformed, runs at Brantwood's Severn Studio until September 5.

Open daily 11am-5.30pm.

For further details of her Coniston show contact 015394-41396.