ARTISAN WORKSHOPS

​My work as a fibre artist working with fabric and fibre to create abstract 3-dimensional forms was my focus for many years. I started painting full time in 2009 focusing on portrait/figure work painting in acrylics, watercolours and mixed media.
Fractured Angels is the continuous thread throughout my work. My art parallels my spiritual journey and I identify with the flawed, cracked and fractured human yearning for peace and fulfillment. The older I get the stronger the pull to explore and express this theme in my work. 
Along the way I discovered I loved teaching. I find the creative process so incredibly interesting. My energy lies in that process and to share that with others has been the most fulfilling role of my life. The spiritual nature of the creative process is something that I think about a lot. The idea of constant practicing of my craft along with allowing myself to let go in moments of creating is the key to authentic art.                                                                                          I am a lifetime student and my vehicle is art.

THE ABUNDANT BOOK

I call this The Abundant Book because I celebrate all the beauty I have collected over the years.
My love for vintage fabric and papers made me want to put all this goodness together into a book that will be a treasure and add to my beautiful collection of meaningful objects I can get visual pleasure and inspiration from.
In this class we will be making a 3 signature art book (9.5" x 6")
We will create the pages using a variety of techniques: dyeing, fabric patchworking, collage on paper. We will gather a collection of vintage ephemera to fill in the book pages as well. There are demonstrations on my particular way to collage and paint.
Taking these collages a step further by dipping them into dye baths. I demonstrate image transfers, several embroidery stitches which create beautiful mark making, wire work, stitching a patchwork, layering borders and bundles with complexity as well as simplicity.
​It all comes together as we gather our pages into signatures and sew those signatures to create a beautiful intriguing book.