Although art was a passion throughout my school years in New Zealand, I did not pursue developing those skills further until I was in my late 20’s! Enrolment in an Access course with Plymouth School of Art (Devon, UK) introduced me to textiles as a medium. The first year of an Open College of The Arts course followed, as did pregnancy, baby & an international relocation!

Artistic endeavours were kept on hold until my mid 30’s when I attended a course with Alaskan Contemporary Reverse Appliqué artist Susan Schapira which rekindled my fascination with this technique.

Contemporary Reverse Appliqué involves the process of sandwiching a number of fabrics together using a machine sewn design. Layers are then cut away to reveal the desired fabric choice for each section of the design. The topmost layer provides the overall outline. Embellishing with beads, embroidery, braids etc, further enhance the overall effect.

The choice to pursue textiles as a medium has been inspired by travels in Europe, in particular the wall hangings, banners and tapestries lining the walls of ancient homes and castles. I am enamoured with the idea of clothing walls in textiles to insulate against external elements!

I like to work to a theme, with inspiration coming from a range of sources. I aim for each piece to connect with some meaning, symbol or story. Thus far my ‘style’ influence has been Celtic and Medieval Art, although I have recently begun exploring more abstract & funky approaches!