Valerie Collinson

Val's first love was pottery which was a primary course at college in Darlington. She then followed up with an extended course in child rearing and house renovation. She claims equal success in both as the children have shown impressive artistic skills and the house now gives lessons all by itself.

"I learned to paint on silk about ten years ago when I enrolled on a year's course at Guisborough College, under Jill Clay. I was hooked from the word go! What started as a hobby became a passion. I find the material so tactile, the colours so vibrant, and the thrill of the finished article, after the steaming and washing process, is intense. I love seeing how different colours react to each other on different types of silk.

In addition to the scarves, I also paint ties and make necklaces and cushions from my paintings. I run silk scarf painting day courses, taking up to five, on each course".