I was born in Isleworth in West London in 1957. My childhood was spent in Australia and New Zealand, returning to England in 1967. After attending Brighton Polytechnic in the late 70’s, and falling in love with the Downland landscape and the sea, I eventually returned to Sussex with my family in 1989, and have lived in Worthing ever since.
I attended Northbrook College in Worthing for many years as a mature student, studying Observational Drawing and Painting, Life Drawing, Composition, Sculpture and Painting.
I had never made linocuts before, until I had the opportunity to do so as part of my Composition class, because Jonathan Howlett, my tutor at Northbrook made linocuts, so I could learn from him. I just took to them like a duck to water!
During the course of my studies I also learnt about British twentieth century art, especially finding inspiration from the work of Eric Ravilious and his friend the linocutting expert, Edward Bawden. I have also worked as a volunteer in the Library at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, and after a gap of some years I am now volunteering there again as a Gallery Assistant.
Here’s an article about me by W.art – Worthing Art, with photography by Lorraine Heaysman –
https://worthingart.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/under-the-spotlight-rosemary-jones/
Painting is another direction as well, and I like to paint in oils in a vigorous style, using palette knives. I also do acid etching, having learnt how to do it on art holidays in Cornwall with Oliver West’s Plein Air Printmaking,
I have recently started to make ceramic items again after a gap of decades – with Tamar Rose at her studio in Steyning. I originally did pottery evening classes with Joan Bowles studio potter in the late 1970’s – early 80’s.
I started the first course to do something different in my life, and I am so glad to have had the chance to do this. It has all been so very good for me and has given me a whole new interest and ability which I am able to share with my family and friends, which is invaluable beyond words. It has been a rediscovery of talents unused for years, the learning of new skills, an intellectual challenge, and an opening of all sorts of new doors. I have gained a supportive network of like-minded interesting people, and it has been just so much fun! Thank you Jonathan (Howlett)!