Treecreeper

I’m a maker of embroidery collage wall art with a focus on native birds and wildlife. My work features the intricacy and texture of machine embroidery with layers of fabric and paper collage. Inspiration comes from nature, my surroundings and my love of illustration, pattern, traditional folk art and the arts and crafts movement. My background combines a degree in Art History and many years working in graphic design and embroidery design.

 

Methods include the modern craft of digital embroidery design, free motion embroidery, hand stitch and layered re-purposed fabric collage. Recently I’ve become interested in bringing lines of poetry into pieces. Using photos and my drawings I start with a clinical, analytical study of subjects - specifically native birds - looking at colour, anatomy, feather formation. I use machine embroidery stitch patterns and rayon silks to create rich depth of colour and a 3d structure I can continue to work into and over with the sketchy, free-motion use of running stitch.

 

This illustrative, detailed approach to nature study is juxtaposed with an intuitive, unplanned and playful fabric collage response - combining scraps of worn silk, paper and antique lace to create an abstract, ethereal and decorative background, striving for a muted, timeless quality. My intention is that this complements and brings a close focus to the subject matter of UK wildlife - the striking beauty of the birds we often see and have seen but whose existence is nonetheless delicately poised within the fluctuating balance of nature and the environment.

 

I sell my work at fairs and exhibitions and often work to commission. Alongside my original framed pieces I offer prints and greetings cards.

Creeping up the trunk.  Machine embroidery of the Treecreeper combined with stitched fabric scraps.         

Embroidery and Textile Collage

18x18cm

Mounted and Framed in Light Oak