Artist’s statement -
I have been working with fibre ever since I can remember from childhood cross-stitch oven cloths to the work I do now, it has been one long evolutionary learning experience.
After spending time in Asia in my early twenties and noting the complexity of weavings, colours and textures and often the simple ways used to produce work of such beauty, I decided to attend the Nelson School of Weaving in 1979 and learn the weaving process.
I then moved to Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast and took time out to raise a family. In 1989 I attended a six-month Maccess course where I learnt traditional kete weaving from Kimihia Doel. I felt privileged to learn these skills, and others like the boiling and dyeing of the harakeke (flax).
I continually sought a way to bring more colour and texture to my work, finally evolving into the kete I weave today.
Harakeke is an amazing fibre and its potential to me seems limitless. Its availability as a natural resource holds special appeal; to cut and gather one’s working material adds a depth, an Earth and spiritual element to the process that is as important as the work itself.