As a regular visitor to Poland over the past twenty five years, I am fascinated by its wild forests, flora and its Baltic coastline. My work is inspired by this landscape as well as its history, culture, folk art and the influence of Russia, its near neighbour. This has helped me to gain insights and connections between contrasting landscapes and cultures, enlarging my perspective of Britain’s place in Europe. To help me with my observations, I am continually exploring ideas through my sketchbooks, photographs and journals. This creates the alchemy which generates my work.
My colour palette is derived from my watercolour studies and Russian expressionism. This extends into dyeing my own fabrics, particularly silk. I use this for applique combined with free machine embroidery using my vintage Bernina sewing machine. More recently I have experimented with a painted ground on canvas on which I have collaged silk combined with pieces of lace-like embroidery.
After teaching art in both Primary and Secondary schools I studied City and Guilds Embroidery to advanced level followed several years later by the Goldsmiths’ Diploma in Art and Design. I have been working as a freelance artist exhibiting nationally and internationally, running workshops for the Embroiderers’s Guild and Art Societies. After teaching and selling work from my studio in Reigate over many years, I am now living in Chichester, exhibiting with the New Embroidery Group, Society of Designer Craftsmen and Chichester Open Studios. I particularly enjoy giving talks on my inspiration from Eastern Europe with special reference to Poland and it’s bordering countries.