BIOGRAPHY
My embroidery project began when I was a child. Yet I worked as a Micropalaeontologist, writer and photographer in adulthood. I have a Doctorate in Micropalaeontology and a qualification from the City and Guilds of Mastercraftsmen, London.
Some people call my work “Textile Art”, but since I will make use of anything from mud to fibre optic cable and include a range of techniques like ironing bubble wrap, or writing stories on memory tape, I prefer to call myself a mixed-media artist. The methods that I use to make a piece of art and the materials I use are relevant to the piece, are often challenging and innovative - I care about how a piece has been constructed. But the end result is equally, if not more, important. All elements of the work should conform to the subject and the reasons for making the art piece. In this way of working I hope and expect my work to be pleasing to the eye and arouse people’s curiosity.
“Organic” is a word commonly used to describe my work. Even when working on subjects distant from the natural world I cannot help but produce something that viewers say have echoes of Ernst Haeckel’s drawings, or could be a new discovery from the deep ocean. I believe this is my true self being seen through my art.
I strive to have the viewer find meaning and pleasure in my sculptures, installations and imagery through their own knowledge of the world and if not, then I hope to stimulate their infinite imagination. Questions are often asked and personal meaning is often given. These are the outcomes to my process that I am looking for.
My work has been supported by the Omani Society for Fine Arts, The Saltspring Arts Council, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and Canada Council for the Arts. But mostly by my husband, John, he is a great guy. I am very fortunate that my work does sell and has been exhibited internationally. Thanks to you all for your support.