Introduction

After a career in the Civil Service along with voluntary work as a Trade Union representative, I left it all behind to graduate in 2017 with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art.

During my time at University I was influenced by the Trade Union ethics of fairness, equality, and justice. To demonstrate these qualities and highlight some of the disparities in society I created sculptural items, such as the Homeless Bed, made from cardboard in the shape of a four-poster bed, or the overly large This Hat Pin Is Too Big, made from a metal rod and an ornate feather topper.

However, my greatest love is the traditional female textile crafts such as embroidery and printing on fabric. Whilst my art practice created larger sculptural pieces, such as the We're All in This Together, and This Is A Painting, I have since progressed onto more subtle, smaller pieces.

Using my skills with needle and thread, I have experimented with recycled fabric and free embroidery to create by hand distinctive framed abstract pieces of art inspired by nature and the essence of the fabric. There has also been a development towards a series of pieces taking the form of unique fabric brooches and washable material coasters.

I still work in the domestic setting, living and working in the same space, like our foremothers before us and work is produced around other domestic duties, plus caring for our two daughters.

Still thinking of my ethical values, including care for the planet, I use recycled material, purchased from charity shops or church sales, upcycling frames as well as dismantling clothes to repurpose the material.

An example that we are all made up of the past we have, that our lives are a journey with experience being a great influence, and nothing ever is stagnant. Question my art, be inspired by my art, or simply enjoy my art.