We are very honoured to have you as a member of Fibres and Fabrics! For our readers can you define yourself – art/craft wise?
I would define myself as a textile artist/quilter. Over the years I have tried many crafts. The main ones of these would be potting and spinning and weaving. I have a Diploma in Hand weaving, from Launceston TAFE. After gaining this I had my studio open to the public for over 10 years, during which time I wove the fabric and made garments up, and these were sold to many overseas countries.
Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others?
My medium is textiles, be it fibre or fabric, either cotton, wool or silk.
Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in your creative life and why?We are very honoured to have you as a member of Fibres and Fabrics! For our readers can you define yourself – art/craft wise?
I would define myself as a textile artist/quilter. Over the years I have tried many crafts. The main ones of these would be potting and spinning and weaving. I have a Diploma in Hand weaving, from Launceston TAFE. After gaining this I had my studio open to the public for over 10 years, during which time I wove the fabric and made garments up, and these were sold to many overseas countries.
Are you more comfortable working in one particular medium than most others?
My medium is textiles, be it fibre or fabric, either cotton, wool or silk.
Are there any artists or crafters who, more than any others, have influenced you in yourcreative life and why?
In my time as a quilter, Gloria Loughman has influenced me more than anyone else. Before I started quilting I had seen Gloria’s work and was entranced by it.
Describe your workspace.
In one word a shambles! My work space is small now, the smallest room in the house, as opposed to a purpose built studio when I was weaving.
What 3 tools could you not live without?
My sewing machine... I get withdrawal symptoms if I spend more than a few days without using it. Also the rotary cutter and scissors. The iron is also an important part of my working life.
Do you keep a sketchbook or journal?
Yes, but I contribute to it and also use it in fits and starts.
We all share our knowledge at Fibres and Fabrics and you have been very generous in this area. Do you extend this in any way by teaching other workshops?
Over the past years I have done many workshops in both QLD and Tas, but now it is only the occasional fun day to help others in their creativity.
How do you inspire your creativity when you’re stuck?
I put the article on the design wall, and go on with something else, and usually an idea comes within a week and I think why didn’t I think of that before!
If cost wasn’t an issue, what avenues would you choose to explore?
I would like to explore textile art further, but place of abode as well as a diminishing memory is a problem.
How do you balance your life?
The balance in my life is heavily unbalanced by the time I spend in the sewing room, but I like to read and also garden.
Your work has appeared in more displays or exhibitions than it’s possible to list. Do you have any work coming up for exhibition in the near future? If so where and when?
I have cut competition work down to a minimum, and this year a lot of time will be spent on a Wedding Quilt for my granddaughter, and also making her bridal gown, but I have an exhibition booked for Oct-Nov 2012 at a local gallery.
What does your work mean to you?
A sense of fulfilment. I like to set myself a challenge, and accomplish it the best I am able.
