evolution of my textile work
Over the years, my textile practice has evolved in both scale and technique. Initially, I worked on a small-scale using calico or artist's canvas, starting with a sculptural shape that was then stuffed with polyester fibrefill or, more recently, bamboo. As my work has grown in size, I have transitioned to using calico with a vilene backing; a medium- to heavy-weight material that allows larger sculptures to hold their shape without the need for stuffing.
Techniques and Process
Pattern and Painting
I begin by drawing a pattern onto calico with a wash out fabric pen or pencil. Within the drawn shapes, I apply acrylic paint or ink.
Layering and Stitching
I loosely hand-stitch colourful silk or manmade fabric onto the reverse of the calico. The fabric is then flipped over to the calico side for machine stitching, using cotton or polyester threads.
Stitching is completed before attaching the vilene. This makes the process easier as the vilene is quite difficult to sew through.
Material Experiments
When not working on sculptures, I explore different materials and techniques, including:
Cutting and manipulating leather
Wool felting
Stitching on dissolvable paper
Hot textile techniques, such as layering polyester fabric over silk, stitching with cotton thread, then melting the polyester with a hot air gun
Pleating fabric (usually thin cotton or muslin)
Layering fabrics and slashing through some layers to reveal textures beneath
Additional Materials and Tools
Dyes & Natural Processes
I use Procion fiber-reactive cold-water dyes alongside natural dyes made from leaves gathered in my garden.
Structural & Embellishment Materials
I use Lutrador (a flexible, non-woven material for machine embroidery), seagrass, and esparto grass wrapped with wool or muslin strips.
Favoured Tools
Heat gun
Soldering tool
Sewing machine
Stuffing Material
In may smaller sculptural works I use Bamboo fibre.
The core elements of my sculptures are pre-washed calico or artist’s canvas, painted as a base layer and detailed with free machine embroidery. Additional embellishments, textures, and layered techniques create a dynamic and tactile final piece.