Artist Statement
Concepts
In my work I try to create objects that escape classification while appearing visually familiar to the viewer. Using the ancient medium of stitch, I layer visual references, and disparate associations, to evoke intuitive responses that supersede cultural difference.
I attempt to achieve this by striping back visual information to its rawest, most basic and immediate forms, then cross reference these to provoke simultaneously conflicting emotional responses.
I focus on those fundamental aspects that connect us as human beings, so, although my work is derived from specific sources, it is important that each piece contains elements that are culturally and historically non-specific.
Integral to the work is the making process. Through contemporary stitching, I explore the associations of objects, the process of making and the practise of archiving.
I make objects that are rooted in time and location, and I include the dates and/or places of making within titles. I incorporate found objects into my work, and these are also documented.
By working in this way, I am placing value on the time and process, rather than on the materials used, questioning what is conventionally valued as precious.
My jewellery pieces are soft and warm to the touch, and more akin to clothing.
I like to cause speculation as to the possible functions of my jewellery and textile pieces. Both of my specialisms tend to suggest suggest ritual and ceremony by referencing the power of symbolic imagery,forms, colours and textures.
Influences
My work is influenced by culturally significant events, changing attitudes and relationships between objects and people.
CV & Education
Qualifications and training
2001 - MA ADAPT (Art and Design, Advanced Practice and Theory) Fine Art, The University of Derby
1998 - BA (Hons) Fashion Design, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education
1995 - NC Fashion Design Technology, Cardonald College, Glasgow
Solo exhibitions
2006 - "Mysteries of the Craft", Park Gallery, Callendar Park, Falkirk
2005 - Stitched jewellery, Park Gallery, Callendar Park, Falkirk, Scotland
2003 - Love-Back UK (Live Street Art), Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Brighton, London, Cambridge, Swansea, Liverpool, Leicester, Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham
2002 - Love-Back UK (Live Street Art), City centers, Nottingham, Derby, Blackpool, Wells, Glastonbury, Edinburgh, Manchester
2001 - Player 1, S1 Artspace, Sheffield
2000 - Horti-Spectaculum, City Gallery, Leicester
2000 - Horti-Spectaculum, Derby Allotments, Derby
Group exhibitions
2006 - "From the Valley", The Changing Room, Crawford Arcade, Stirling
2006 - "Trinity", Patriothall Gallery, Stockbridge, Edinburgh
2005 - "Fashionable Viktor", - Stitched Ceramic Jewellery, Red Door Gallery, Victoria St, Edinburgh, Scotland
2005 - Food for Thought Textile Competition, Harbour Gallery, Jersey
2005 - Generator Members Show, Dundee
2005 - Stitched Ceramic Jewellery, Concrete Wardrobe, Cowgate, Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland
2005 - Stitched Ceramic Jewellery, Platform Gallery, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England
2005 - Stitched Ceramic Jewellery with Found Objects, Harbour Gallery, Saint Aubin, Jersey
2005 - The Park Gallery Christmas Exhibition, Falkirk
2005 - The textile artist exhibition, Rufford Craft Centre, Newark, Nottinghamshire
2005 - Volume, Extension, Glasgow Art Fair, George Sqr, Glasgow, 28th April-2nd May
2004 - Embassy Gallery Members Show, Edinburgh
2004 - Totalkunst Open, Edinburgh
2003 - Flat-Craft, The Platform Gallery, Clitheroe
2003 - Nottingham City Open, Nottingham Castle Museum, Nottingham
2003 - The Bessemer Open Competition, Sheffield
2003 - Unframed, Cupola Gallery, Sheffield
2002 - Love-Back Counters (Live Art), Colchester Arts Centre, The Social, Nottingham, Colchester, Nottingham
2002 - Love-Back Shoppers, various, Clitheroe, Nottingham
2001 - Idea, Artlink Venue, Sheffield
1999 - Concrete Evidence, City Council Hall, Derby
Workshops
2006 - "Mysteries of the Craft" -workshop in stitchery, Park Gallery, Callender House, Callendar Park, Falkirk
2006 - Onging, Freelance Art Workshops, Primary/ Secondary Schools, Hospitals, Mental Health Care, Central Scotland
Public commissions
2006 - "WELCOME" Mosaic, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, Camelon, Falkirk
2006 - Mosaic, Plus workshops, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, Falkirk
Projects
2006 - "Mysteries of the Craft" - Artists Talk, Park Gallery, Callendar Park, Falkirk
2006 - "Wishing Tree Spot" - Artists Talk, The Changing Room, Stirling
2005 - Selling events, Velvet Boutique, CCA, Glasgow & Dance For All, Edinburgh
