The use of personal objects to preserve and tell stories of ourselves and of wider history has always fascinated me. The artworks I make are toys or wearables, items that are meant to be held close both emotionally and physically by those who come to know them. Because there is an intimate relationship between object and owner, I can explore the impact of highly valued items on the expression of identity. The surface of these objects are heavily decorated to describe the preciousness and liveliness of the item. These are so full of life, and are often inspired by tales of the wildlife and wilderness that my family has lived alongside for generations. I work primarily in ceramics and metals, because the lasting quality of the materials means that the objects and the stories they contain will be sustained for innumerable years.