Rod taught at Pate's Grammar school for a total of forty years. He started at the Girls' school in 1975 where he spent eleven years, then in 1986 when the girls and boys schools amalgamated he continued teaching Art and Ceramics in the new coeducational Grammar school until 2015 when he finally retired at the age of 63.

Over this period Rod had many exhibitions of both his paintings and ceramic work both locally, nationally and internationally. On retirement he and his wife relocated to Exeter where they live now. Rod works every day either in his studio or on location and was recently made a South West Academician. Whilst Rod concentrates mainly on his own work he also continues teaching, holding adult workshops and giving demonstrations.

Rod’s subject matter is mainly Landscape/Seascape and part of the reason he moved to Exeter was to be nearer the coast and both the Dartmoor and Exmoor. However, he is not totally concerned with the topographical rendering of the subject but rather a sense of place. He is trying to express feelings and memories, the essence of time, the unseen things that are felt or sensed.

Rod said, “I was so fortunate to have taught at Pate’s over the years and am still in touch with the Art dept. staff. I love to see the artwork being produced by current students under the guidance of such brilliant teachers. Obviously working at one institution for such a long time made it very difficult to finally stop, but the time was right for both me and the students. I only have fond memories of my time at Pate’s although like in any job there were some very difficult times, but never with the students, they were just a joy to work with. I would do it all again if they would have me.”

If you would like to see more of Rod's work then search rodashman on Instagram and Facebook. Or to get in touch directly email artrod@me.com or phone 07766311217. 

Rod's paintings will be exhibited at The Artizan Gallery in Torquay from 26th June - 17th July 2021. If you are in the area, please pop along to the gallery, you are in for a treat!