This page is for students who are researching textile artists and any one else who may be interested . . .

I am a textile artist and tutor living in Brighton, East Sussex.
Having worked through most of the traditional techniques I find I am drawn to experiment, layering techniques where I can.

My original training was in Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Plastics. I had no idea at the time that the course would be instrumental in my development as an artist and a tutor. As students we were trained as artist craftpersons, learning how to use each material before we designed anything. Little did I know how important this would be thirty years down the line. When you are 21 you have no idea what is ahead of you, I hoped to be a potter but could never afford a kiln large enough for my work and then life took over and whisked me away onto other pathways.

Me 30 years ago at college, I miss that waistcoat!

My work is split roughly into three areas – 3D & experimental textiles, wall pieces and photography.

Adult Education is my preferred area of teaching though I do go into schools to torture students and teachers if asked nicely.

I have written and developed various ‘Experimental Textiles’ courses up to level 4 and have delivered them at City College Brighton & Hove, Portslade Community College and Northbrook College from 1998 – 2008.

I now work as a freelance tutor, I feel I have ‘done my time’ in Adult Education. I miss the regular contact with my students but I am lucky that many still keep in touch. Most of my ex students are continuing to work in the textiles field and there are several websites for you to check out on my links page.

I lecture internationally about my work, my teaching and my students and I have written and deliver various workshops and summer schools. I am known for breaking boundaries and helping students to think out of the box!

My book ‘Hot Textiles’ was published by Batsford in September 2007. ‘Experimental Textiles’ will be published by Batsford in August 2009.

Every year I attend the Practical Study Group Summer School to refresh and develop new skills.

I demonstrate surface decoration techniques for ICHF (International Craft & Hobby Fairs) and travel with them to Exeter, Cardiff, Glasgow, Brighton and Birmingham most years.

A newish venture is taking part in the Design & Technology Show at the NEC in November. This show is for educational professionals only and is free to register. I have a 5 metre stand of delights to encourage teachers in the development of using experimental textiles in the curriculum. I have been left in no doubt that this has been very helpful to all I speak to.

I am always happy to help teachers in any way I can. With all the paperwork and box ticking they have to do, they need all the help they can get!!

5 most recently asked questions

How did you first become interested in textiles and start working with them?

I have always made my own clothes when I have time. My family were very in to ‘make do and mend’ when I was growing up. We lived on a farm and little money for new clothes. When I first did the Diploma in Creative embroidery in 1985 there was no way you could make a living as a textile artist I just worked through the course not knowing where I would end up. It was not until 1996 when I did the University Certificate in Creative Stitch that I realised I might be able to make some kind of living through textiles. Since then I have built up my teaching and lecture circuit and make my strange vessels when I can.

Which textile artist’s work do you think has most influenced your own?

The tutor who has most influenced me and my work is Ruth Issett. She taught me not to be afraid of colour. Other tutors who have inspired me are - Ros Chilcot, Bobby Britnell and Gwen Hedley.

I think Barbara Lee Smith is the textile artist that first lit my fire when I saw her work for Art of the Stitch in 1997-98 entitled The Pilings. 12 columns of painted, fused and stitched synthetic fabric. 2.6 metres tall. They were FANTASTIC.

What is your main source of inspiration?

The phrase ‘what if?’ and 3D and any way making a material 3d. Because of my training I am process based.
 
And in the end of your book you say your favourite types of art, are that of Patrick Heron, Dale Chihuly and Anish Kapoor, what is it about each of these artists work that draws you to them and have they had an impact on your own work?
Patrick Heron – his use of colour – particularly his stripes
Dale Chihuly – the way he designs through process
Anish Kapoor – his sculpture at Tate Modern just blew me away. A textile form THAT size. Pure simple design, again through process.

My favourite book
Pacific Light by Jay Dunitz – His amazing photographs of metal.