'Buttonbox' round cushions, knitted lambswool
Biog
For as long as I can remember I have loved making things. As a child I was always keen to join in with my Mum, Nan & Nanna if they were knitting or sewing – that’s how I learnt many of my skills. My first attempt at knitting was with a green wool, and was supposed to be a scarf, however it ended up a very odd shape and a bit holey and became a blanket for my brother’s Action Man!
From those early attempts at knitting, I progressed to making a skirt, aged 8 and then painting my own design onto fabric to make into some trousers as a teenager. Alongside my creative endeavours I was a conscientious student, and ended up taking ‘A’ levels in Maths, Chemistry and Biology, then progressing to study Biology at University. My fascination with the natural world, and structure and function remain with me and are often a source of inspiration for my work – ‘Mother Nature’ is an amazing designer – problems are solved so beautifully, and structures are so incredibly well suited to their purpose – as a designer I find it quite humbling to see and understand all of that.
Whilst my family were young I undertook various jobs, none of which were particularly rewarding or satisfying. I started some City & Guilds courses in Soft Furnishings and Upholstery, with the intention of developing my own business. I found that I loved the design element of these courses. I undertook some curtain making and upholstery work, but found it frustratingly un-creative! I began looking into degree courses locally that would allow me to develop my design skills, and was offered a place at Winchester School of Art on the Textiles, Fashion & Fibre course.
The first year at WSA gave me the opportunity to try knit, print, weave, fashion and textile art, before choosing to specialise in Knitted textiles. I graduated with First Class Honours in 2010. My final project had evolved to merge my previous skills with those I’d developed at University, and was all about using colour to evoke happiness. From my scientific background I have a real understanding and affinity for ecology and the environment, so I’m interested in exploiting the power of colour as a sustainable design solution.
Since graduating I’ve continued to develop my products using colour in the same way, and knitting with UK spun lambswools and cottons that are sourced from factory surplus stocks. I also ‘upcycle’ lampshades and furniture pieces too. All my fabrics are machine knitted to my designs – this is much more labour intensive than it sounds as the machines are hand powered! I also use cotton velvet that I dye to my chosen colours, and bobble trims. I’m currently developing a range of kits that use some of my waste too.
I’ve exhibited at various shows since graduating, and have had a solo exhibition, and worked on commissions. I also won the UKHKA Knitted Textile award in 2010.
April 2012 ‘BCTF’ Harrogate
March-June 2012 Showcase at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Feb 2012 ‘Unravel’ Farnham Maltings
Jan 2012 ‘Spotted’ at Top Drawer, London
Dec 2011 ‘Merge’, Oundle, Northants
Oct 2011 ‘Handmade in Britain’, Chelsea
Oct 2011 ‘Festival of Crafts’, Farnham Maltings
Aug-Oct 2011 ‘Autumn Craft exhibition’, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham
July 2011 ‘New Designers, One Year On’ –Part 2, London, UK
June 2011 ‘Handmade in Britain’, Bath
May-June 2011 ‘Uplifted’ solo exhibition, Theatre Royal, Winchester
Feb 2011 ‘unravel’, Farnham Maltings, Farnham, Surrey, UK - commissioned lampshades
Oct 2010 UKHKA Knitted Textiles Award – First Prize
July 2010 ‘New Designers’- Part 1, London, UK
June 2010 Winchester School of Art Degree Show, Winchester, UK
Nov 2008 Excellence Award – Outstanding Achievement, WSA 2007-2008
60 second interview
Q: What is your favourite colour?A: PurpleQ: Who first inspired you to start making/ creating and what words of advice did they give you?A: I suppose my Mum, Nan & Nanna - they encouraged me, treasured my early creations and taught me many skills. I also learnt to be patient and persevere from them! Making was a necessity for them but I saw it as a way of expressing myself and making unique things - unleashing my imagination!Q: Where and when do you most like to work?A: I currently work from home in a log-cabin studio in the garden. It has everything I need and more! I like working out there as I don't get interrupted - except for my husband or sons bringing me the occasional cup of tea! I prefer to work 'normal' hours, but am often out there in the early morning or late at night!Q: Which season of the year most inspires you?A: SpringQ: What can't you work without?A: My inspirational pin boards, colour, yarn and of course my knitting machine! The radio, a cup of tea and a choccy biscuit or two help as well!Q: Whose work do you most admire?A: I have so many different influences and admire so many artists and designers - a few I'd include would be Sonia Delauney, Bridget Riley, Wassarely, Rob Kesseler, William Morriss, Missoni, Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo, Kaffe Fassett, Ptolomey Mann, Wayne Hemmingway, Oliver Heath . . . . . Q: What is your favourite piece of fiction and why?A: I don't really read much fiction - I tend to prefer biographical works, but I suppose it would be Peter Pan. I think that we should all preserve an element of the child within!Q: What do you do to relax?A: Believe it or not I find crocheting very relaxing! Watching TV is relaxing too -I'm a Corrie fan, and also love programmes like The Frozen Planet! I also like walking in the countryside and spending time with friends and family too.Q: Describe your artistic style in 3 words. A: Quirky, colourful & fun!
No one has written a review for this maker yet. Why not be the first?