Artist Statement
Previous works have included a series of acrylic paintings based on the markings and colours of a given butterfly, abstracting these and creating patterns to compose the piece. My most recent paintings and works in progress are largely botanical. Colour and pattern are again central, and I work from collected inspiration materials, gardens, and my photographs.
My textile art Psyche series is also butterfly inspired - free-motion embroideries, each a different butterfly, pinned and framed much like real insect specimens are in natural history collections. This work expands on the themes of natural imagery, and of personal sadness, loss, and hope.
These collections contrast looking at these insects from a representational, natural history inspired look; and abstracted studies of their patterning and colours.
My 2022 illustrated book, Drawn In: An Illustrated Garden Tour, explores the lines and textures of our garden plantings.
I’m currently exploring art quilting, planning an experimental series of mixed media textile pieces further exploring the garden theme, using fabric collage, digitally printed fabrics, and embellishment.