Taking the abundant beauty and untamed, intricate shapes of the natural world as my inspiration, I work predominantly in three dimensions, weaving and winding hand-dyed natural fabrics into organic forms.
My studio is located at the edge of a large forest on the Isle of Wight, an ideal environment for any artist fascinated by the native plants and flora that inhabit Britain’s woodland and rural landscapes. Here my textile work takes shape. Associations weave together - wild flowers, clambering plants, the dappled forest floor where the faeries of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream might skip and dance, enchantment that makes large the world of the small, and transforms the ordinary into unexpected objects to delight and amaze. A common weed becomes a beautiful handbag, a familiar flower turns teacup, dried autumnal leaves shape themselves around and into a fabulous shoe.
To work these transformations I use a variety of techniques. These include: freehand machine embroidery, traditional hand embroidery, painting, dyeing, quilting, moulding, felting, sculpting, beading, trapunto, wiring and appliqué.
My materials are chosen carefully for their texture, credibility and aesthetic appeal.
Like any creative venture that takes the natural world as its cue, my work is ever-evolving. My interest in three-dimensional forms has prompted me to extend my skills and seek out and explore new techniques and materials.
As an artist, each day presents me with new and wonderful creative adventures when I ask: “What will I make today?” Limited only by my imagination, there appear to be only limitless possibilities!
Exhibitions: Solo
November 2010 “My secret Garden” Solo Show, The Knitting And Stitch Show, The International centre,Harrogate
October 2010 “My Secret Garden” Solo Show, The Knitting and Stitch Show, Alexandra Palace, London
May 2007 “ Bloom” Solo exhibition Dimbola Lodge, Isle of Wight.
Exhibitions: Open
February 2010 “Climate Change” Open Competition, Rhyl, Denbigshire.
Exhibitions: Group
September 2011 "Origin " Contempory Craft Fair, Spitalfields Market, London.
July-Sep 2011 “Another Time Another Place” QuayCrafts, Michael West Gallery, Newport, Isle Of Wight
April 2011 “Royal Wedding” Smythson, Bond Street, London.
April 2011 Embroidery & Textile Exhibition, Ramster House, Surrey.
October 2010 “The Place Between” Pelham House Gallery, Cowes, Isle Of Wight
October 2010 Janice Blackburn Presents “small show HUGE TALENT” Kiddell Gallery, Sotherby’s, Bond Street, London.
January 2010 Designer Crafts At The Mall,The Society Of Designer Craftsmen, Mall Galleries, London.
January 2010 Janice Blackburn Presents “Old Friends New Directions” Sotherby’s, Bond Street, London
November 2009 “A feast for the eyes” University of Bradford, Gallery II, Bradford.
November 2009 “ A fairytale Christmas” Craft shop, Royal exchange, Manchaster.
October 2009 The Knitting and Stitch Show, Alexandra Palace, London.
September2009 “Tea Potty” SDC Gallery, 24 Rivington Street, London.
July 2009 “Time And Place” Quay Craft Group, Ventnor Botanical Gardens, Ventnor, I.O.W.
June 2009 Pulse, Launchpad, Earls Court.
May 2009 Craft Shop, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester.
May 2009 “Art Space” Barn Gallery, Henley on Thames, Oxon.
April 2009 British Craft Trade Show, Harrogate.
April 2009 Embroidery & Textile Art Exhibition, Ramster House, Surrey.
December 2008 “ Late” The London Museum, London.
October 2008 “ I do” Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale, Shetland.
September 2008 100% Design Earls Court, London.
September 2008 “Landscapes” Bury St Edmunds Art gallery, Bury St Edmunds.
July 2008 “ In and Out of the garden” Saltbox Gallery, helmsley, York.
June 2008 “Creative Focus” University of Portsmout.
June 2008 Pulse, Launchpad, Earls Court, London.
June 2008 Heart Gallery, West Yorkshire.
April 2008 British Craft Trade Fair, Newcomers, Harrogate.
September 2007 Glorious Colour,The art House, Wimbourne, Hampshire.
September 2007 Design Edge, Esher, Surrey.
December 2006 Russell Coates Art Gallery, Bournmouth.
