Having been brought up in Nelson, after 40 years I am very happy to be back living here again and more importantly being part of the artistic community that is thriving in the region.
From a young age I was interested in sewing and progressed through dressmaking, quilting (I have a stash of fabrics to use up!) and onto mixed media art - collaging and using textures on canvas and monoprinting on fabrics and paper and generally trying out all sorts of techniques.
The beginnings of my textile art journey started when I lived on the West Coast and belonged to the Way Out West Textile Art Group. We set challenges each month for ourselves, and it kick-started my journey from quilter to artist. I attended a five-day workshop with collage artist Joan Schultz from San Francisco and learned new techniques which I have developed and incorporate into my work.
Teaching techniques is a particular love of mine – running classes for up to 12 participants creating collage elements using a multitude of mediums, monoprinting, exploring background techniques (rust dyeing, using resists and discharge dyeing) - it has taken me to many parts of the New Zealand to teach.
I was a Collective Member of Wall to Wall Art Gallery in Nelson for over 10 years, stepping back last year to pursue other interests. Exhibiting in the Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington Art Shows as well as local exhibitions run by Wall to Wall Art Gallery, the Nelson Suter Art Society, Art Group Nelson and Tasman National Art Awards, has given me a great opportunity to engage with the public about my art processes. I particularly enjoy the feedback I receive and exchange of ideas. Always trying new ideas and developing old ones – I am content!
