Artist Statements
The image is a hand woven textile by Fran Penny
DRUSILLA COLE - www.drusillacole.co.uk
My inspiration tends to be from objects that interest and inspire me. Textiles have been part of my life for a long time - and I dye and paint or screen-print my original designs onto 100% silk georgette.
And I have published four books to date:-
'1000 Patterns', published by A & C Black 2003
'Patterns, New Surface Design', published by Laurence King 2006
'Textiles Now',published by Laurence King 2007
'The Pattern Sourcebook', published by Laurence King 2009
FRAN PENNY -www.franpenny.wordpress.com
ANNE STEPHENS (Astrantia Artisan)
It is the environment that surrounds us which now inspires my work. I have followed a varied path which included teaching and making jewellery in silver, gold and titanium, together with stones, beads and enamel, and also spent some time researching and documenting body ornaments around the world, especially those of remote ethnic groups in the Himalayas. I am now finding creative inspiration in other materials, particularly natural fibres, within mixed media work, which allow me to delight in colour and express my enchantment with the precious natural world.
D A M DEIRDRE ANN MACDONALD
Inspiration: from direct observation preferably.
Favourite topics: trees, landscapes and most natural things.
My work is predominantly objective.
Media: I work in a variety of media, but watercolour is my preferred.
DAVID BUNYAN I was given an apprenticeship with a Photographic Portrait, Still life and Fashion Studio in London in 1943. Because of the war I also had to do government work two days a week. I did my City & Guilds before going into the army.and have been doing photography ever since, not always full time as I also ran a Landscape Design and Contract business for many years. I rarely go anywhere without a camera - you never know what you will see.!
ROSIE READ GLIMPSES TRACES FRAGMENTS I have been teaching art for many years and have exhibited my work in London, France and most recently the Marches. Paints, pastels ,inks and layered papers are used to create images of architectural subjects. Fabrics threads and photographs are flowing in front and behind one another giving glimpses of what is part hidden. Writings and ephemera from past lives and experiencas are woven into relief images. My books are made using all of the above processes. My work is about the passage of time and holding on to the precious.
JACS COLLINS I originally trained as a Textile Designer with a BA degree from Winchester School of Art-which led somehow to a 25yr career as an Interior Designer.I have previously shown my paintings in Open Studio Exhibitions and occasionally teach collage techniques and figure drawing at informal workshops. My subjects are snapshots of experience, landscapes, gardens, plants and flowers-shops, meals and tables. I also enjoy drawing the human figure. My work usually combines various media and techniques-and I continually experiment with styles. There is no conceptual theme or message really just the enjoyment of looking and the fun of making an image. I recently moved to Shropshire and am now enjoying a challenging new life as a Gallery owner! Contact: The GALLERY at Bishops Castle on 01588 630128 www.thegallerybc.co.uk
MYLIE BUNYAN I have sewn, knitted and crocheted from the age of 10 and made clothes for myself and my 2 daughters out of financial necessity, together with soft furnishings and upholstery. I wanted to study art but instead, I went into nursing. I worked as a theatre sister, district nurse/midwife, midwifery manager, and tutor & health visitor, retiring as a senior manager. After retirement, I became an inaugural member of a patchwork group. This inspired me into studying for a diploma in stitched textiles. I have exhibited widely & won many awards including several cups. Most of my work has been published, which includes a commission for a book. I was a finalist for the prestigious Henry Foyle Award. Three of my pieces were selected to tour America. I have given many talks and taught several workshops. I work using a large amount of techniques and unusual materials, including metal, roofing felt, hand made felt, and other fibres, computer printing onto tissue paper, and fabrics, which include some of my drawings, paintings and photographs. I am inspired by many sources, which include corrosion, ancient artefacts, degradation, texture and colour. To support my textile work I have been attending art classes for the past 18 months.