ABOUT THE WALLHANGINGS

Colour is the primary inspiration for my work. With each piece I aim to explore a particular range of colours. I also gain inspiration from Indian textiles, Chinese carpet designs, European embroidery, tiles etc. I tend to come back to the same themes of tulips, fish, birds, elephants and lizards, as I find these the most pleasing shapes to work with but am always looking for new challenges.

I begin on white silk habutai and apply silk paint using a variety of techniques including using a gutta outliner to identify discrete areas of colour.
	Other fabrics are then applied by machine. For this I use mainly silks and polyesters, the shinier and sparklier the better. An area of the fabric is tacked on, the shape stitched round and the rest of the fabric trimmed away after.
Some of the embroidery is done by machine but the major part of the work is done by hand as I love the flexibility and spontaneity which hand stitching offers. I use mainly cotton thread with a good sheen and complement this with metallic thread, beads, sequins, mirrors, etc. for further sparkle.

The hangings are completed by ceramic pieces (biscuit fired only, then painted) or beads, which contribute to both form and texture of the pieces.

Texture is extremely important to me, which is why I have never put my work behind glass. All the pieces are treated with a fabric protector and occasional light brushing is all they need to keep them in their original condition.

My work looks at home both in modern and traditional surroundings. Be brave!