I am a Bridport local: born; educated and worked here all my life.
I grew up in a family where my mum taught me to knit and sew from an early age.
In my younger years sewing was my passion and I embroidered pillowcases and the like.
At school I sat O level needlework, but otherwise have no formal art training.
The developing years:
My love of sewing led me to broaden my skills into hand-embroidered pictures.
All of this was supported and encouraged by my mother who joined me in the creative process. We found that we worked well together.
During the ensuing years there were many experiments, which led to some happy accidents and some absolute disasters. The first time we tried to dye some fabric, the outcome was a pile of pieces suitable only as camouflage for an MOD contract. Oh what a laugh we had!
We continued to try out our different ideas, and each developed these in our own individual ways.
All these experiments led eventually to more successes than failures, and so, some years ago we each exhibited in Dorset Art week for the first time.
My inspiration:
I have always enjoyed being in the garden and have a love for flowers. Nature produces no colour clashes. I am not quite that bold with my pictures yet!
Visits to stately homes and gardens, offer me inspiration at every turn. Last year, I was lucky enough to visit Monet’s garden, which was stunning. I can’t wait to start a picture featuring the famous lily ponds.
I am always taking photos to record shapes and forms, like ponds and trees and the wonderful coast line and countryside surrounding Bridport.
My pictures:
The background is created by using chiffon or painted/dyed fabric. Once this is complete, I’ll maybe use a photo, as a guide, in order to hand embroider the main elements.
The finished product is what you see today.
I hope my pictures will give you a sense of calm and restfulness, and allow you to imagine yourself within the scene strolling along a river bank, or relaxing under a tree, with a good book or glass of wine.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my pictures.
I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve seen.