I love aesthetics and cannot be indifferent to the things that attract me and inspire my creativity.
Strong narratives and meaningful delving adds richness to each artwork and exploring new themes, experimenting with ideas and testing the resources I have at hand, my work is constantly changing and evolving.
I have been stitching for most of my creative life and where a pencil and paper, or a paintbrush and canvas are well used tools of most visual artists, a needle and thread or a sewing machine are never too far away as a means for me to interpret and expand my ideas. The tactile nature of textures and the diverse range of fibres, fabrics and threads inspire each artwork. Layering and surface design helps builds depth and an element of intrigue so papers, paints, inks and natural dyes are also integral resources at hand in my studio.
I am inspired by street art, putting voice to issues that concern me, however equally, a dilapidated dwelling, an old industrial landscape or a corroded surface on rusty tin can take me on a journey of ideas and historical imaginings. And sometimes it’s the tiniest thing or a close up aspect of something inconspicuous that will set me off, throwing ideas around in my mind in the early hours of the morning.
How I capture and interpret ideas into my work is the essence of my creative experience. Oddly some would say, I am both pragmatist and deep thinker. I like the very old juxtaposed with the new, I appreciate blurry hues and clean lines, and when Im in my studio I feel quite at home with clutter but like to have things ordered and in their right place between projects.
Applique, hand stitching, thread-painting, and surface design are techniques I employ often. How each piece will evolve when these mediums are bought together, reinforces my intuitive practice and informs new ways of teaching and mentoring.