Japanese Students in Yokahama
Asia is a region of contrast, mystique and wonderment for the traveller. However, to teach extensively throughout many countries was both extremely hectic and a wonderful rewarding experience.
My trip involved teaching in Taipei, Taichung , Kaohsiung, Seoul, Tokyo and finally at the 2010 International Quilt Week in Yokahama.
Alice in Wonderland … “Hoo-R-U”
Machine Coiling
My art “Hoo-R-U” continues my textile practices of investigating the “Process of Stitch” and the many alternatives and interpretations using “Free Motion Embroidery.”
Caterpillar was chosen as my design inspiration.
The title instantly became obvious. An alternative to caterpillar’s explosive outburst as Alice approached “who are you?” he retorted as he sat dominantly and proudly upon the mushroom smoking his Hookah. Likened to a must see performance.
I would wonder and consider what personality, character and energy he might have especially seeing as he may have been enjoying smoking his pleasurable appetiser for a while.
My personal criteria was not to specifically emulate a realistic image of a caterpillar upon the mushroom but, to present contemporary art that had visual impact, tone, and texture predominantly using a single technique and the many variables. Most importantly my art must give maximum indulgence, pleasure and curiosity to both the viewer and the wearer. Read more
Awards and Grants
2010 1st prize. Art U Wear. Brisbane Textiles Art Festival. Brisbane. Qld.
2008 Grant. Moreton Bay Regional Arts Development Funding co-recipient. Qld. Read more
A message to my students
As a Tutor I firmly believe that there is a level of creativity to be found in every individual.
The love and passion for both textiles and teaching combined with the vast knowledge and experience in technical skill, colour and design are made available through my workshops. Read more
Creating Surfaces – Developing Individuality
Many visual surfaces such as landscapes, plants and solid objects provide inspiration in our everyday lives.
The availability of digital photography has offered “Textile Artists” an additional tool to use for capturing and recording images and creating designs. The eye of the camera will view, record and capture images differently than that of the human eye and images become a permanent record rather than a drawing in the mind.
As individuals we have the ability to view and interpret these sights in different ways. Our ability to relate to shape, colour, size and physical appearances allows our interest and imagination to unfold.
Interpretations in fabric and fibre create wonderful visual surfaces, to view, feel, sense and enjoy. Our interpretations can be created into highly individual forms of art, be it realistic, naturalistic or abstract in form.
Fabrics are able to be folded, pleated, twisted, scrunched, collaged, layered, coloured, layered, stitched and cut away to produce subtle and dynamic visual effects
The simplicity of experimentation yields success. Having no limitations placed upon us, promotes innovative and spontaneous works. From these creative pursuits many designs and ideas unfold.
Whether it is a small sample, a completed work, wearable or wall hanging the finished product will be more dynamic and individual when the surface has been embellished.
The possibilities are endless.
….Learn to look
….Learn to experiment.
….Learn to know what you want.
….Relax, enjoy and have confidence in your creative endeavours.
Morphology – Artist Statement
My work for “Morphology” continues my textile practices of investigating the “Process of Stitch” and the many alternative interpretations.
I have a strong desire to connect the emotional and visual elements of my art to the viewer.
I became increasingly fascinated by the explosive birth of “coloured form” rising from multiple layers of decomposing matter as if representational of a short, dynamic, must see performance. Read more
The Old Leather Bag – Artist Statement
Artist Statement
The availability of Digital Photography has offered Artists an additional alternative to consider when capturing and recording images and designs.
Basic digital imagery combined with years of experience and training in textiles has opened alternative approaches for me to create expressive contemporary Artworks by merely using simple and uncomplicated “computer moves”. Read more
