This new piece is inspired by an ocean creature that has always fascinated and delighted me on dives. The fan worm, Sabella spallanzanii. This little annelid is otherwise known as the 'European Fan worm', 'pencil worm' or 'feather duster worm'. Sabella spallanzanii is found in the shallow, sub-tidal areas of countries such as; Spain, Portugal, France, Turkey and South America. It has been also been found in several regions around Australia over the last few decades. The fan worm has the potential to be a pest in our marine waters and their numbers are being monitored as a result.
Stitched Specimens
Last year I created a range of tiny embroideries inspired by various structures found in nature. You have probably some of these works before on my Facebook page (if you follow me there), but I thought I would share them here as well.
Some of the sources of inspiration for these 'stitched specimens' should be pretty obvious, others are a little more subtle.
Interview for X-Ray magazine
Small, Medium, Large - A Newcastle Gallery Collective Exhibition
Adding finishing touches in the studio to some pieces for 'Small Medium Large'
It's always lovely to have an exhibition in my hometown of Newcastle Australia so I am very excited to be involved in 'Small, Medium, Large', an exhibition curated by the Newcastle Gallery Collective. The unique thing about this show is that it is being held across four different galleries in Newcastle; C Studios, Nanshe,
The journey of an artwork: 'Coast Pennywort' from start to finish
The inspiration for my new piece Coast Pennywort (hydrocotyle bonariensis) came from a plant I picked up on a walk around my local area. This plant, commonly known as Coast Pennywort or Kurnell's curse, is a weed in most parts of New South Wales but I have always loved the shape of it's fleshy leaves with their intricate internal vein patterns.
Embroidered Bowls
As a result of winning the 2014 Emerging Artist - Craft minor award from Craft NSW I have been invited to exhibit my work in their wonderful showroom in Sydney for six months. I am delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit in such a prestigious gallery and wanted to make some work that extra special for the event. I wanted to create something that was a bit different. Something that would challenge me. Something that would be exclusive to Craft NSW.
Interview with IFWA (International Foundation for Women Artists)
I was recently interviewed by the IFWA (International Foundation for Women Artists). The IFWA blog is a great place to discover female artists across all areas of the arts and from around the world.
I am tickled pink that they have decided to feature me.
Little Ginkgo studies
I love Ginkgo leaves … it's no secret. They have been the subject of many of my artworks over the last few years and they will no doubt continue to inspire my work for years to come.
This new trio of works are my newest interpretation of this golden plant. Each of the pieces are multilayered with overlapping leaves. This creates a lovely layering effect and adds a greater sculptural element to the work.
Square leaf studies
Square Leaf study (2014) Embroidery thread and pinups paper.
Square leaf studies (2014)
Sea Spiral
Generally when I start an artwork I have a pretty good idea of how it's going to turn out. But every now and then a piece will surprise me. It will start as one thing and then evolve into something else all together. My 'Sea Spiral' was one of these pieces.