A little about me
Having been brought up in Nelson, NZ, after 40 years, I am delighted to be back living here again and, more importantly, being part of the artistic community that is thriving in the region.
How it all began
I was interested in sewing from a young age and progressed through dressmaking, quilting (I have a stash of fabrics to use up), and on to mixed media art - monoprinting on textiles and paper collaging and using textures on canvas. I have also enjoyed changing the look of fabrics with discharge dyeing or using resists to alter the surface and then using hand stitching to enhance the lines and forms. Using my sewing machine to do free-motion embroidery is also something that I have used in the past on monoprints to create an image, which I find very satisfying. I am now exploring Encaustic techniques and in 2024 won an award for my encaustic piece at the Tasman National Art Awards entitled "Living The High Life".
How do I know what I know?!
I am mainly self-taught but have learned from other artists along the way. 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 that I have developed and incorporated into my work.
My involvement with the art community
As a past Exhibitions Officer for the Nelson Suter Art Society, I have been immersed even more into the artistic community in Nelson and learnt a great deal about critiquing and curation of artworks. Art Group Nelson is also a wonderful group of multi-talented artists to share inspiration with regularly. I have recently been appointed as the Registrar for the Tasman National Art Awards, held every year in Mapua (nr Nelson) which is fast becoming a prestigious national art exhibition. I was also a collective member of Wall to Wall Art Gallery in Nelson for over 9 years, leaving in 2023 but have been back as a Guest Artist.
I love tutoring
Teaching techniques have become a newfound love of mine – running classes for up to 12 participants on mono-printing, exploring background techniques (rust dyeing, using resists and discharge dyeing), and creating collage elements, utilising a multitude of mediums. I have also recently become a Tutor for NZ Textile Experiences and have 2 upcoming classes - check out my Workshop page. If you, or a group of like-minded people would like to have me come and Tutor in your area, please contact me.,
Where I exhibit
Exhibiting in the Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington (Art Shows Across Aotearoa) and local exhibitions run by the Nelson Suter Art Society, and Art Group Nelson gives me an excellent opportunity to engage with the public about my art processes. I particularly enjoy the feedback I receive and the exchange of ideas.
I hope you enjoy looking through my Artist Portfolio.
