book

This leading British maker and teacher is seen working in her studios and talking about her sources of reference and inspiration.

She demonstrates the use of a simple whip stitch, inspired by intensive first-hand study of Indian tribal embroideries. She uses it to achieve rich variation of three-dimensional quality and surface tension in the textile relief panels which are her trade mark. These are inspired by the magnificent rock formations of the American SouthWest, particularly their colour, light, variation of strata and then the effects of erosion and historical use. The panels are informed by quite outstanding drawings and other records and their fabric is coloured with the actual local earths and clays. Often they include words about the place, sometimes poems.

Lately, the ridged columns of rock and standing stones, as well as significant vertical elements of landscape from other settings, have begun to suggest free standing forms. The transitional ones of these were based upon arrow and spear heads or slivers of hard rock and achieve their strength by layering and tension. The most recent ones, with initial support or later stiffening, are a vehicle for inventive coiling techniques.

Currently, the content of my work is derived from studying the landscape of the American South West - - - . The land, shaped by natural elements is also effected by generations of people who lived, worked and left their marks upon it. Extreme physical features found in the landscape.....have informed much of the current body of experimental three - dimensional work. Coiled wrapped cords are used with........ painted fabrics to create sculptural forms suggestive of rock formations, standing stones and even sentinel figures.

I like to work with a few simple stitches - making marks which relate readily to drawing. For the last four years I have been exploring the potential of whip stitch and am fascinated by the surface tension and movement it can create.

Currently the content of my work is derived from studying the landscape of the American SW where I have travelled extensively. The land, shaped by natural elements, is also affected by generations of people who lived, worked and left their marks upon it. I make reference to both the early inhabitants and the physical features of the land. The use of stitched lettering in some work, where relevant words are repeated to make a complete surface composed of text, has become important in recent pieces. After stitching, work is treated with clay slip, paint and sandpaper.

First and foremost a hand stitcher, it feels natural, but never commonplace, to have needle and thread in my hand. The rhythm of the stitch - the gesture - is a very important aspect in the making of my work. I would describe the stitching as an intensely physical activity, the actual process being as important as the finished work. I like to work with a few simple stitches - making marks which relate readily to drawing. For the last four years I have been exploring the potential of whip stitch and am fascinated by the surface tension and movement it can create. Currently the content of my work is derived from studying the landscape of the American SW where I have travelled extensively. The land, shaped by natural elements, is also affected by generations of people who lived, worked and left their marks upon it. I make reference to both the early inhabitants and the physical features of the land. The use of stitched lettering in some work, where relevant words are repeated to make a complete surface composed of text, has become important in recent pieces. After stitching, work is treated with clay slip, paint and sandpaper.

Teaching
I have been a teacher all my working life, in schools, as a college lecturer and now, since taking early retirement from full time education, on a free-lance basis in the UK and abroad.

I enjoy working creatively with a variety of groups and individuals, I view stitched textiles as an expressive medium and derive great pleasure and satisfaction in helping others to enjoy using fabric and thread adventurously and in encouraging them to gain the confidence to develop their own ideas and a personal working style.