“I cannot remember a time when I have not felt the desire to draw and paint.”
At thirteen, Venus was awarded a scholarship to Wakefield Art College. She then became a technical illustrator, giving up when marriage and raising four children became her priority.
“When my children were old enough I gained a place at Trent University and after completing a foundation-fine arts course I qualified as a FE teacher. I worked at Arnold and Carlton FE college introducing and developing a screen printing department as well as teaching art to full and part time students, including remedial YTS groups. I was fortunate to have been chosen to work in two community day centres running art workshops for adults with special needs.
I moved to Keswick in 1988 and took a part time art teaching position. I also set up my own studio at home. I then gave up teaching in order to concentrate on my own work, which includes oils, acrylics, watercolours and mono screen prints. Each discipline requires a different approach which is demanding and exciting.”
“I am still thrilled and often amazed how a sketch, or idea in my head develops into a finished piece of work.”
“My work is exhibited in several galleries in the North. I have had many solo and shared exhibitions. Many people have asked where the name Venus came from. I was named after my maternal grandmother and to the relief of my daughters, the name has not been inflicted on the next generation.”