Bridget Skanski-Such

I graduated from Trent Polytechnic in 1984. John Newling (sculptor) was my tutor and my final show included work using glass, wood and mirrors.I then embarked on a career in primary education, first with responsibility for Art and Design, and then as a headteacher. I have a passion for teaching and I was very proud of my schools but eight years of management persuaded me that being "in charge" was something I could do but didn't enjoy.

A friend of mine started a local art group and I was persuaded to join and exhibit. When I was a little girl my mother had a business making and selling soft toys and I was able to use a sewing machine from an early age........so my first piece for exhibition combined sculpture and textiles- a cabinet lined with embroidery. After that I was well and truly hooked back into the art world. A couple of local galleries agreed to show my work and I became a member of Harding House Gallery cooperative. I've never looked back! I don't earn as much money as I did as a headteacher ! I can remember selling an early piece for £24.00 and running round the gallery ( before anyone else arrived!)shouting with excitement ! It is such a "buzz" when someone really likes your work and such a huge compliment when they will give their hard earned money to hang your work on their wall!

Apart from the creation of pictures....I live in the lovely village of Oasby with my beloved husband John, and two cats, Mowgli and Baloo. I play keyboards with the infamous Lincolnshire ceilidh band "The Old Parrot Band", I play violin with "Fanny Power and the Mickey Money Boys". I love community events and I have even been seen on stage as "Blackadder" (the evil fairy!)in our local rendition of "Sleeping Beauty"