Background
A little background to me and my work...
I have been designing and making jewellery and textiles since 1980 and taking photographs since the 1960s. Linking these activities are interests in textures, in representations of science and in science fiction.TECHNIQUES
My photographic work has its roots in an new interest in scientific illustration. Through this I discovered the early botanical photographs of Anna Atkins and felt compelled to try making my own cyanotype photograms.
Photographically printed textiles seemed a natural extension of work on paper. I use cyanotype contact printing to produce unique silk scarf photograms of lace, leaves and other objects. I also use cyanotype prints to create cotton covered jewellery.
My felt work often begins as knitting, giving structure to the piece before it is felted. Sometimes I work directly from fleece onto a mould. I am now exploring the combination wet and needle felting embellished with beadwork for a new collection of jewellery.
Recycled materials also have a role in my work. My Cyberjewels brooches use scrap circuit boards as a base decorated with wire work and beading.
EXHIBITIONS
A Bestiary of Authors collects 10 years of photographs of science fiction and fantasy authors and is on show during August 2007 at Transreal Fiction, Edinburgh. A new show for 2008 is planned.
During the 2005 Edinburgh Festival I participated in a studio show at Step Gallery Framing, Jamaica Street, Edinburgh. My botanical photographs have been exhibited at North Edinburgh Arts Centre and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. A selection of my work appeared in the Lotus Gallery, Bath and in Crafts Showcase at Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland. Examples of my jewellery and textile work can sometimes be seen in galleries and design shops around Edinburgh.