As a weaver, my practice is deeply rooted in the observation of nature and its innate rhythms. Drawing inspiration from organic forms, patterns, and the ever-changing qualities of the natural world, I create wall art, sculptural works and spatial divides, that echo these influences. Each fabric is hand woven on my treasured George Wood dobby loom, located in my studio in Coldingham, in the beautiful Scottish Borders. Each work is designed to invite close inspection, revealing layers of intricacy and encouraging viewers to pause and reflect. Foraged materials are integral to many of my creations, with seaweed and sticks currently among my preferred choices. I find myself completely absorbed in the process of experimenting with these natural materials, blending them with more traditional fibres and weaving techniques.
Elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics have significantly influenced my design development over the years. I am inspired by the traditional Japanese appreciation and interpretation of nature, their thoughtful use of materials, sensitivity to texture, and the remarkable standard of artistry and master craftsmanship evident in their creations.
CV.
Current Practise
2004 - date: Explores the design, development and making of woven spatial divides, panels, sculptural works.
Teaching
1982 - 2017: Lecturer , BA Honours Textiles Design and Textiles Innovation BA and MA at Loughborough University School of the Arts.
Public Art Commissions
Healthcare:
2013: Worsborough Health Centre: 12 artworks, Worsborough, Barnsley.
2012: Tokyo New Hospital: 4 panels, Matsudo City, Japan. .
2007: Neo-Natal Ward, Queens Hospital: 3 textile artworks, Burton upon Trent.
2005-6: Dewsbury Health Centre: 4 artworks, Yorkshire.
2005-2006: Ravensthorpe Health Centre: 2 woven panels, Yorkshire.
2006: The Brain Injuries Unit: Musgrave Park Hospital, 1 textile panel, Belfast.
2004: Chelsea Flower Show 'Living Paintings Garden’ 3 panel screen, London.
Business:
2012-2017: Tokyo, Japan: Orie Ltd, artworks for apartment buildings.
2011: Aston University: Business School, 3 panel artwork, Birmingham.
2007: Geldards Law Firm: 1 panel for the board room, Nottingham.
Exhibitions
2022: Crafts Council Collect 2022, group exhibition Design Nation, Somerset House, London.
2020: Body & Mind: Seen & Unseen. Group exhibition, National Centre for Craft and Design, Sleaford.
2019: Collect: Collect Open Saatchi Gallery, London.
2019: Woven Forms/Breaking the Boundaries: Solo exhibition at Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster.
2017: EWAAC Residency and exhibition: Be Gallery, Kyoto Japan.
2017: Nottingham Society of Artist Gallery: ‘Makers Dozen’, group show, Nottingham.
2014: The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral: ‘Silvery Threads’, group show.
2012: The Harley Gallery: ‘Textiles Research in Process’, Loughborough University School of the Arts, group show, Nottinghamshire.
2012: Design School Loughborough University: ‘Textiles Research in Process’, Loughborough.
2012: Telemark University: ‘Making, Materiality and Knowledge', group exhibition and conference, Norway.
2011: Kunsthal Charlottenborg: The Spring Exhibition, group show, Copenhagen.
2011: La Gallery: East Meets West Art, group show, 2011.
2008-2009: Staffordshire University: ‘Making Moves’ touring group show.
2008: The Biscuit Factory: ‘Well Threads’, group show, Newcastle.
2008: Friar Lane Gallery: ‘Temptation’, group show, Nottingham.
2007: Rufford Craft Centre: ‘Allure’, Nottinghamshire. 2007.
2007: The Beetroot Tree Gallery: ‘Abstract Construction’ and ‘Lithoscapes’, group shows, Nottingham.
2007: The Axis Gallery: ‘British Crafts in Japan’ , Ozone Design Centre, Tokyo.
2006-2007: Geldards Law Firm: ‘Art at the Arc’ group show, Nottingham.
2005: The Harley Gallery: ‘Contemporary Living Rooms’, Nottinghamshire.
2003: Crafts Council Gallery: ‘Out There’, group show, London.
2005: Thorsby Gallery: ‘Period Living Rooms’, Nottinghamshire.
2002,2003,2007: Leicester City Gallery: Open Exhibition, Leicester.
1982- 2004: Trade Shows: Indigo- Paris, Interstoff- Brussels, Surtex- New York, Premiere Class- Paris, Heimtex- Frankfurt.
Membership:
Crafts Council, Craft Scotland, Fellow, Design Nation.
Freelance:
1985 - 2005: Associate designer for Michael McInerney Design Consultancy.
1998 – 2000: Fashion Fabric Design Consultancy for Martin Lindsay Limited,
1988 – 1992: Automotive Interior fabrics consultant Courtauld Automotive Product UK.
1984 – 1989: Free Spirit Interior Designs, Birmingham, Helenswear Kitchenware Company, Lincolnshire UK.
Freelance designs for Carla van Beurdens Rotterdam, Glaston y Danela Madrid, Missoni, Italy, Scopos UK, the Wool Board UK.
Education:
First Class BA Honours Textile Design, Loughborough College of Art and Design.
MA Constructed Textiles, Birmingham Polytechnic.