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In the 70’s and 80’s my parents owned the largest wool and craft shop on the North Coast so from a young age I worked in the shop and was always fascinated with wools and yarns. Over the years trying many handicrafts. After I left school I studied Interior Design which expanded my love of textiles. My interest in tapestry weaving started when my sister did a simple weaving project at high school and I was eager to try it.
It wasn’t until I tore my Achilles tendon, when playing tennis, and in a plaster cast that I thought now is the time to give it a go. Throughout the years, I did a few and left them rolled up in pillowcases in a drawer. In the last 10 years I become obsessed and I joined a local art and craft group and gained the confidence to exhibit. I am self-taught but learnt a lot online. I like to call my art ‘picture weaving’, as the word tapestry is usually interpreted by the public as “my nanna does tapestry too.” Free form weaving is quite different to traditional tapestry mesh weaving over a template and is a unique artform in itself. |
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"Yarns can create incredible surface quality and dimensions in a finished piece." |
I love working with textured yarns and fibres to create a scene that emerges from just a few vertical threads. Combining and blending different textured and coloured fibres is a slow process and challenging at times, but so exciting. Yarns can create incredible surface quality and dimensions in a finished piece. I do wall hangings, but usually my weavings are framed under glass to protect them from insects and dust, plus it also gives a more polished presentation. I use between 50 to 100 different yarns in each piece to create the colour and texture range needed. I use both new and recycled yarns and as many natural fibres as possible. 90% of my weavings are seascapes or water scenes which is inspired by the beautiful surrounds on the north coast where I live. Weaving Wheels I also produce weaving wheels. The idea behind these were to make small circular decorative weavings to enhance ones décor. Specifically, I use harmonious colour combinations to dress up a small space and I carefully select a special central feature which is often a little treasure (stone, shell or ornament) that I have collected from all around the globe. I am proud of these unique artworks that can really add interest to a bare corner or wall. Because they are small (between 35 to 25cms) they are very reasonably price and make a special gift. Made to order, to suit the colours of your décor. 
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Awards & Achievements
2018 to now Member of BACCI, Ballina Arts & Crafts Centre Inc with major exhibitions 3 times a year. (President of BACCI for 2 years). Also my works on display at the Creative Artisan Gallery, Ballina. June 2018 Border Art Prize selection, Tweed Regional Gallery Feb - May2018 Requisition to participate in a Group Exhibition at the Heritage Winery at Mt Tamborine. Jan 2017 Solo Exhibition, Weaving, Wood & Water, Northern Rivers Community Gallery. March 2016 Finalist Border Art Prize, Tweed Regional Gallery March 2016 First prize, Byron Arts Classic 2016, (Textile section) Nov 2015 Themed Winner RQAS (Royal Queensland Art Society) Oct 2015 Peoples Choice Award (BACCI) Ballina Arts & Craft Centre Inc Sept/Oct Finalist NSW Emerging Craft Artists Award, The Rocks Sydney June 2015 Best Presented, RQAS Burleigh Heads QLD Nov/Jan Finalist Border Art Prize (weaving sold before opening night) Nov - Jan 2013 Finalist Border Art Prize, Tweed Regional Gallery Sept 2012 Highly Commended, Bellingen Art Prize Feb/March 2012 First Solo Exhibition, Seascape Weavings, NRCG Jan 2011 Cert of Commendation, Waves & Waterways Exhibition, NRCG |
