Flutterby - back
2007
Flutterby - back
2007
 
Made for "Calico on the Catwalk", 2007.
Acrylic paint printed onto black calico through sequin waste. A degree in Stage Management endured straight after high school led me towards 'Wardrobe', where I felt a little more in my element. This in turn led to part-time studies in Fashion at TAFE in 1997. It was there that I found silk painting, which kept me happy for the next year. Then it was off to TAFE again for a Certificate III in Drawing, where I kept handing in silk paintings and trying to draw with my sewing machine.

Dark Wing
Organza Wrap
2007
Gel medium on organza, painted with acrylic and metallic mica paints, machine embroidered including fabric scraps.The subject of Art History got my attention here, and so it was off to the University of Queensland to study it. During that time I volunteered at Craft Queensland [now Artisan] and ended up leaving UQ to pursue a traineeship there. I felt very frustrated at Craft Qld, as I was constantly looking at art work and dealing with artists - and wanting to be one!

Since my Fashion studies, I had maintained the interest; making my own clothes, wanting to make art - but not entirely sure how. I'm not quite sure when I saw Annemeike Mein's work, but it was then that I realized you really could sew art.

In 2002 I discovered McGregor Summer Schools, and did Ken Smith's Free Machine Embroidery workshop. I learnt so much, came away so inspired, and could now sew off the edge. Wow!

 
Forest Floor
2007
 
Forest Floor - bodice detail
2007
 
Made for the ATASDA Palm House exhibition "From the Earth" 2007. Fabric crinkle ironed to interfacing, machine embroidered including fabric scraps, machine made cords, beading, silk and organza skirt.

Forest Fantasy
2007
fabric scraps, tulle, organza, wire, beading.
In 2003 many things changed for me - my father died, I left Craft Qld, I fell in love, and moved in with my partner. He has provided me with the environment in which I can pursue my craft - I work part-time at home with his business, the rest in my studio [but can I please have a bigger one, darling?!]

I had long been an admirer of Carol Wilkes' work, and in 2004 I did her workshop at the Brizvegas Forum. Here I learnt even crazier things than at Kens' workshop!! In 2006 I went back for more at her McGregor Summer School workshop. After this I decided that I had probably better stop doing workshops, and just get on with it.

Carol has been a huge influence on me, and has encouraged me to pursue this path. We are currently working on an exhibition together, to open at Gallery 159 in 2009.

Left: Liquid Amber Leaves 2008.
Hand dyed merino wool, felted and blocked. Hand dyed and felted leaves, cut out, machine embroidered and hand sewn to crown.
Centre: Butterfly Top Hat 2008.
Hand dyed merino, felted and blocked. Hand dyed silk satin trim and felt butterfly cut-outs
Right: Out of the Deep Blue 2008.
Made for the Palm House exhibition "Out of the Blue" 2008. Hand dyed merino wool, felted including Angelina fibres, blocked and hand shaped. Hand beading.

Hand Felted Hat
2008
Hand dyed merino wool, felted including Angelina fibres, and blocked. Satin stitch edge, and cut felt decoration.
I am also studying a Certificate II in Millinery at TAFE this year, which I am greatly enjoying. Having recently re-discovered felt, I am having a great time making my own felt for hats. I am also madly in love with nuno felting [if only it didn't take so long!] and have all sorts of ideas I want to play with in that area.

The last couple of years have delivered some great moments - winning the 'Gondwana' section and First Time Entrant Award at Fashion Fantasia 2007, winning the 'Fantasy' section in Calico on the Catwalk 2007, being accepted in to the 2008 Montana World of Wearable Art in New Zealand, and exhibiting in ATASDA's Palm House Exhibitions 2007 and 2008. ATASDA has been a great opportunity to be a part of a group, to network, exchange ideas and have opportunities to exhibit. I look forward to watching ATASDA grow, and to being a part of it.

 
Beyond Chrysalis
2008 
Beyond Chrysalis - back
2008
 
Gel medium on organza, painted with acrylic and metallic mica paints, machine embroidered including fabric scraps. Wire and fishing line edges. Wet-look vinyl, tulle, crystal beads. Finalist in WOW 2008.