My abstract textile paintings explore memory, movement, possibility and adventure. The inclusion of mark making in my most recent work allows me to explore layering of complex patterns.

About Me

I work with fabric.

First I create color. I start with white fabric and using dyes and paints I create my palette of colors, textures and patterns. This is the fun messy part of my process. Kind of like finger painting.

The second step involves cutting up my fabric and arranging it into an interesting composition. After I’ve found a dynamic composition, I stitch the fabric back together.

This is the hardest part. It’s a dance between planning ahead and improvisation – like putting together a puzzle where the pieces are constantly changing size throughout the project.

I LOVE the challenge.

Making marks by painting and stamping is the third process in my studio practice. I use tools mostly associated with sewing (such as empty spools of thread) and a selection of hand carved stamps to make my marks.

In the forth step I create texture across the surface with oodles of thread. It takes hours and hours to add the dense stitching to the work.

This is currently my favorite part of the process. The soothing repetition of sewing straight lines back and forth. For hours and hours. Meditation.

Examples of My Work

Fun Facts

• • Gifted: The universal cat distribution service gifted me with a cat in January.
• • Open Door Policy: There are no screens in the windows in New Zealand. So when I say I was gifted a cat - I mean she jumped in the window and brought her suitcases with her.
• • Boats: I named my cat Boat, because she was a stray before she decided to move in and she used to live in the boat parked in our yard.
• • Warm Toes: Boat's tail is shorter than the average cat tail. Fortuantely it never gets too cold and she doesn't need to wrap it around her front feet.
• • Hints: My work for the Fancy That show will be a departure from my usual work. These fun facts might point to what you can expect.

More About Me