About me

I am a textile artist creating textile wall hangings from recycled materials in a range of subjects housed in two collection: The Natural Collection explores abstract flower design, seasonal studies, visions of India, Religion and Buddhism, childhood nostalgia. The Womanhood Collection is a series of abstract creations exploring natural states of being, both physical and emotional.

Fabrics and embellishments are sourced from charity shops, car boot sales, donated by family and friends. Old fabric has an historical presence, adding depth to works. Creative writing , hand embroidered in wool and silk threads, provides an emotional layering, insight into real experience, creating a connection between viewer and artist.

Works are highly decorative, embellished with beads, buttons, jewels, sequins, ribbon, braid, wool and silk thread. Some works are 3D, with padded structure, while others are flat. I use traditional methods of applique, quilting, dressmaking, manipulation techniques, knitting, crochet, hand embroidery. Textiles are hand stitched, which is why creating them is so time consuming.

I have been producing my textiles for over 30 years. Some textiles are new while others have been reworked. There are various stages in producing a textile; researching ideas (collecting images through magazines, photographs, Pinterest), creating basic design, collecting materials (washing and cutting to provide usable fabric) creating the applique textile, embellishing surface, hand embroidering poetry if required, quilting and finishing with a hanging sleeve and backing fabric. I like to have several projects on the go at any one time to keep works fresh.

My website serves as a portfolio through which to sell works. It was a natural progression from having photographed the textiles that I was able to create prints from the images. Using photoshop allowed me to manipulate colour to create a series of the original image in a range of colour palettes: original, sepia, gold, marble, ink and lead. A4 Prints, which includes one iconic image representing each textile (limited edition) and a series of detailed images, allows the viewer to collect images of the work and create their own gallery at home/work. I plan to expand into other avenues using my prints.

My inspiration is everywhere, from my garden to walks in the woods, current trends and news, magazine and newspaper articles, sifting charity shops and car boot sales for treasures. I am especially excited by the Womanhood Collection, hoping to start a series of abstract nudes. Progress is slow and time consuming. Works are large, to be displayed as a focal point in the home. Dimensions are available on my website.