Landscapes have long been a source of inspiration for many artists but it is within the realm of textiles and fibre arts that I truly believe that it comes alive. For me the seas, skies and rock formations are inexhaustible material. The North Devon coastline is fragile due to rising sea levels and the increased strength and frequency of storms. Rock coast erosion is irreversible so we must celebrate this mesmerising coastline whilst we can immerse ourselves in it.
I find embroidery (both hand and machine) liberating. Stitch is immediate and intuitive. It allows me to mix colour by over painting. Within my landscapes, my materials are everything and anything. The surface of the fabric that I stitch onto becomes manipulated by the techniques that I employ, and the dramatic landscapes provide me with visual stimuli that I seek not to emulate, but to investigate. Due to the nature of the materials, each piece is unique, explores fragility and celebrates a moment in time.
My current “Fragile” collection reflects my admiration of the North Devon coast and the patterns, colours and textures that emerge through the large overhanging caverns, rockfolds, the differing seaweeds that are abundant in the murky rock pools and the debris that is dramatically tossed aside by the fierce Atlantic. The shells, driftwood, seaweeds and plastic contained in the work are collected from the inspiration itself and helps to tell a story. I love the idea about alerting my viewers to “watch where you tread”.
These pieces begin their journey as either a monoprint or by mark making on fabric and continue to develop using hand and machine stitches, beach debris, applique and embellishing. My hand stitches become as fragile as the shells and intricate formations themselves. In contrast the energetic movement you can create from machine sewing adds the more dynamic marks that reflect the imprints, the patterns and the movement of the sea across the sand and the beautiful strata of the sedimentary rocks that have been rounded and smoothed having been tumbled and polished by the motion of the waves.
Workshops given and commissions taken.
