I am fascinated by the natural world, our connection to it and our place within it. I am interested in our desire to transcend, to move beyond what we know. The cycle of the seasons and of life change accordingly and I am interested in moving my practice forward through exploring this dichotomy.

 

Birds and feathers are an important element in my creative practice. I'm inspired by the way they move, their plumage, their otherness. They are freer; their ability to fly suggests a means of escape, implying there is something to escape from. They are symbols of transcendence, linking the physical to the spiritual world. This theme occurs in myths and stories across cultures and throughout history. In my practice they represent us, our spirits and a desire to transcend and change.

 

Drawing is a central element of my practice, it is the starting point and a means of creation in itself. I use drawing to research, explore and explain. Drawing is an excellent method of communication and I use a variety of drawing techniques in my participatory practice to support participants to explore and develop ideas.

 

Process and technique are key to my practice. I use a range of media but continually return to traditional textile skills such as dyeing and embroidery. Using these traditional techniques I am part of an often forgotten or overlooked history. Textiles are tactile, versatile and everyone has a connection with textiles. The familiarity inherent with work that incorporates textiles draws the viewer in, encouraging them to reconsider and re-evaluate ideas, looking for deeper meanings.

 

Increasing awareness of our impact on the environment and our responsibilities draws me to work more with natural materials. Creating my own dyes from responsibly foraged materials connects my work to the land; adding another layer to the spiral of connection.

 

Art is transformative and in my participatory practice I have seen how meaningful engagement with the arts has empowered participants to develop technical skills and the confidence to make choices and change in their lives. In my participatory practice I am always adapting my approach to engage and support participants. My personal and participatory practices are connected; each feeds and inspires the other. I have over ten years experience working on participatory projects in schools, community centres and day centres, delivering both short and long term projects.