Textile Artist
I work on a multiple shaft floor loom to make complex weaves which I use for textile art to hang and for making sculptures.
I use natural fibres as much as possible both because I like to work sustainably and because I just like the feel and texture of them; I also do a lot of dyeing using natural ingredients, I enjoy the experience of not being quite sure what the results are going to be, and foraged dyes have the great appeal of being free..
Working on a loom gives a framework to my practice, I have found that the restrictions imposed by weaving have allowed my artistic side to develop in what feels like a safe place.
I am inspired by colours and textures, ideas and shapes, beautiful landscapes and ugly buildings. Sometimes the technique comes first and sometimes I work out a method to use a loom to weave what I want to make. I am currently adapting one of my looms to weave 3D sculptures.
I studied Textile Design at Norwich University of the Arts as a mature student and have been teaching myself complex weaving for more than 15 years.
