Personal statement

My work is created with the use of mixed media, and is awash with colour texture and multilayers. I use vintage, found, recycled materials and ephemera to create intricate artefacts, bringing together both the austerity and historical connotations in a contemporary creative way. This gives a piece of work history and memory at its inception. The techniques used in the creation of my work are print, hand painting, appliqué, reverse appliqué, layering, embroidery, manipulation, collage, print and stitch. My work is not limited to any textile medium; I like to use an eclectic mix of materials.

I feel that an extra dimension is created within the fabric by adding multiple layers and stitch. Added to this is the important ingredient of applying my own vocabulary of stitch to strengthen and complete the composition. I find this an interesting way of developing a random unpredictable design into something new and exciting, challenging my knowledge of stitch, process and sharpening my design skills.

I work intuitively and I am interested in the use of screen print, multimedia and embroidery to produce a varied surface. My inspiration is derived from the natural environment, my surroundings and sensitivity towards the quality of individual materials used. This combined with a full understanding of the design process enhances the finished piece.

The journey I am involved in is one of discovery of pattern and colour and its metamorphosis using multi-dimensional layering and surface decoration to enhance texture and tonal range. This creative journey is as exciting as the final outcome.