I will be showing a range of textile pieces - mainly patchwork and quilting but also some 3D pieces which are made using organza, stitch and dissolvable film which allows me to mould pieces to form rigid structures. While I do some "traditional" quilts the majority of my work falls into the category of Contemporary or Art Quilts and many are designed as wall hangings rather than as functional quilts. The majority of my work is machine pieced and heavily quilted using free machine quilting which I very much enjoy. I also often add additional surface interest through appliqué. My work tends to be very colourful and it is the ability to combine colour and texture through fabric and stitch which I enjoy and find challenging. I also hope to be demonstrating some of the techniques I use. I also enjoy dyeing fabric for use in my work and recently completed a three day workshop on this. I also have a piece "Free Spirit" in the Gifted exhibition at the Mill and was part of the "Soft" Exhibition there earlier this year.
Is this your first time in the Trail or are you an E17 Art Trail veteran?
This is the first time I have taken part officially but I did show some work alongside Harriet Hammel and Elizabeth Pell last year and they encouraged me to take part and have my own listing this year and I will be showing my work alongside theirs at St Saviour's Church. As it gets nearer I am starting to get nervous about putting my work out on display in this way.
What are the challenges of getting everything ready for your Art Trail event?
For me one challenge is that of time - although as a teacher I have had the summer break there is also so much else to do in that period and as I return to work tomorrow I have had to arrange an evening when I can get to my venue to set up my work. I am also unsure about details such as whether to put out cards with my contact details on, how to label my work and how to price. I know details like this can make a difference. I also have a couple of pieces that need to be finished off this week - mainly putting on hanging sleeves - and one piece which needs a little more work to complete it - but will complete a series of pieces linked by the theme of the Seasons.
Do you remember the first artist that really influenced you? Does that artist’s influence still have an impact on your work?
I studied Art as part of my Teaching Degree and there are a whole range of artists whose work has influenced me in various ways and at different times. Different pieces have been influenced by specific artists or movements including Monet, Impressionism, Japanese art, and most recently David Hockney. There are also a number of quilt artists whose work I admire. Pieces can be inspired by a number of things - from a specific piece of work, photographs, exhibitions, the natural world or even by the fabric itself.
The E17 Art trail has become bigger every year. Do you think it is because more artists are calling it home?
Success breeds success!
What has E17 bestowed on you?
Friendship, family and community
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