Lesley Anne Derks

I was born in Falkirk, Scotland in 1977 and brought up in Grangemouth where I continue to live until this day.

Grangemouth is predominantly an industrial town. In my early years it hosted businesses such as ICI, Docks and the BP Petro-chemical plant which were all major influences in my life. At school everyone seemed to have a parent or relation who worked in these fields. My father worked at the BP plant for 30 years until his retirement. The plant which dominates much of the skyline of Grangemouth always had a deep fascination for me. I was amazed that something that appeared so grey and somewhat ugly during the day could become so beautiful at night. When friends who were not familiar with Grangemouth came to stay my dad would take us on a tour in the car to see the lights at night. Some people have associated Grangemouth with its strange orange night...  more... glow as being some form of an alien world; a scene out of Bladerunner or cities such as New York.

I then work from a series of photographs and choose certain elements from each one bringing them together in one composition.

I spend at least 5 days a week in my studio but sometimes more. I try to work at least 8 hours a day and normally I am in the studio for around 9.30am. I find it very hard to get out of my studio before 7pm and do feel it tends to take over my whole life. However I wouldn't have it any other way as I love what I do and feel very lucky that people taking an interest in my work has allowed me to do this.

Being an artist has also allowed me to lecture, organise and teach workshops. More recently I was asked to curate a landscape exhibition. Currently I am attending an art therapy course and hope to use the skills learned in a practical sense.