BOUNTIFUL CLEMENTINES 2024
In my studio, I love to set up still life’s to draw from. All the pieces I gathered here connect me to the people and places I cherish. I enjoy drawing and stitching these pieces that are so grounded in my identity, my path and memory. As I work a new narrative evolves, along with a renewed appreciation and wonder for the bounty in my life.
Bright and metallic threads are embroidered onto an appliquéd silk ground using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. I stitch freely over the surface creating rich texture, pattern and details.SOLD
BIRDIE BESPOKE ATELIER 2024
A playful composition of busy creative birds their notions and scissors on hand as they sew garments using a vintage sewing machine.
Bright and metallic threads are embroidered onto appliquéd silks using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool, as I stitch freely over the surface creating rich texture, pattern and image.SOLD
THE SCISSOR TREE 2024
This playful composition is inspired by my collected sewing notions and of my love of nature. In this imagined embroidery the tree of scissors stitches and creates for a visiting wee bird…
Bright and metallic threads are embroidered onto an appliquéd silk ground using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. I stitch freely over the surface creating rich texture, pattern and details.SOLD
MAGICAL THREADS 2023
In my studio, my shelves are full of the nostalgic things collected over a lifetime. This embroidery celebrates some of these pieces together in a still life detail composition that has grown into its own fanciful narrative.
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. SOLD
THE DE MORGAN SEWERS 2022
This fanciful composition brings together some of my favourite inspirations. I love observing and drawing birds. In this colourful piece they are imagined as bespoke sewers, with their notions at the ready, in a decorative space honouring the ceramic work of William de Morgan.
The work is created by layering and appliquéing silks creating a ground that is then richly embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool, freely stitching to build up the detailed lines, textures and colours to complete the artwork.SOLD
STITCH STORIES 2022
In my studio, my shelves are full of the nostalgic things collected over a lifetime. Each piece holds a memory, a story of my travels near and far, of the people and places cherished. This composition celebrates some of these pieces together in a still life that has grown into its own fanciful narrative.
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool.
The embroidery measures 18.25" x 12.75" SOLD
SCISSOR GARDEN 2022
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool.SOLD
BIRD BESPOKE 2022
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. SOLD
SEWING BIRDS 2022
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. SOLD
SPRING BLOOMS 2022
Collaged silks are embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. SOLD
CONVERSATIONS IN THE TULIPS 2021
This embroidery is inspired by drawings of my copper kettle filled with lovely tulips in the spring. I imagined fanciful birds chatting away amongst the flowers. The composition is a celebration of the rituals we share with family and friends, and the memories connected to and intertwined with the people, places and things we cherish.
Appliquéd silks on linen are embellished with stitch using the domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool SOLD
PLAYFUL PERCH 2021
This piece is inspired by the NZ Fantail, a friendly bird that loves to fly around you as you walk in the bush. Here, their natural plumage is reimagined to suit their colourful joyous character and accompanied with a spring Tulip both perched on the little bowl holding memories.
Appliquéd silks are embellished with stitch using the domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool SOLD
VISITING WEAVER 2021
The ritual of making tea is very important to me. It creates connection through sharing while building memories of domestic life with family and friends. In this playful piece cherished teacups are stacked ready as a little Weaver bird flies in to join us.
The embroidery measures 8”x 14” SOLD
NESTING KERERU 2021
This fanciful embroidery is inspired by my love of observing birds and the rituals and memories shared over tea whilst visiting my family across the globe. I love drawing china, looking at the delicate shapes, patterns and details as I work. This wonderfully colourful German teapot is part of the permanent collection at the Gardiner Museum. Kereru are New Zealand wood pigeons, I love their shape, colourful plumes and to see them nesting in the trees.
This work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine. SOLD
CHAMPION OF FLOWERS 2020
This fanciful embroidery is inspired by my love of observing birds and the rituals and memories shared over tea. I love drawing china, looking at the delicate shapes, patterns and details as I work. This Richard Champion & Co teapot is part of the permanent collection at the Gardiner Museum where I made drawings and later a little painting based on my observations.
The work is created by layering and appliquéing silks creating a ground that is then richly embroidered using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool, freely stitching to build up the detailed lines, textures and colours to complete the artwork.
This original artwork measures 9"x 11" SOLD
BLUE CUPS STITCHED COLLAGE 2020
I love drawing teacups, looking at their delicate shapes, patterns and details as I work. These cups are from my family collection and I enjoy the memories and connection they provide.
In this textile artwork I have layered silks, organza and linen along with some felted repurposed wool creating a rich ground ready for stitching. The embroidery is added freely using colourful threads on a basic domestic sewing machine. This drawing tool allows me to build up a richly stitched and textural surface.
The artwork measures 9.5” x 10.25” and is mounted within an 14” x 16” acid free mat. SOLD
DAY DREAMING DELFINIA 2020
This fanciful scene is inspired by my favourite miniature Delft teacup and a little Vireo bird that visited my garden. Working from my drawings I reimagined these two separate subjects into this playful composition. Delfinia is given a colourful new coat as she dreams of being surrounded by flowers.
This embroidered artwork is stitched onto a ground of collaged silks using free motion stitching with my basic domestic sewing machine and colourful threads as drawing tools. The edges have a decorative braid added as a finishing detail.
This artwork measures 5” x 5.5” and is mounted onto an acid free mat. SOLD
FLORINA FANTAIL 2020
This circular embroidered artwork is stitched onto a ground of collaged silks using free motion stitching with my basic domestic sewing machine and colourful threads as drawing tools. The image is a fanciful composition based on drawings of my favourite bird, the New Zealand Fantail, here imagined amongst bluebell like flowers and foliage. This artwork measures 4.25” across and is mounted on mat and framed. SOLD
TULA TUI IN THE KOWHAI 2020
This textile artwork is inspired by the New Zealand Tui that has a beautiful multi hued metallic plumage and distinctive feather tufts on its throat. Here, their natural plumage is accentuated and amplified to suit their playful character, and is set amongst its favourite Kowhai flowers and foliage.
Bright and metallic threads are embroidered onto appliquéd silks using my basic domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool.
This artwork measures 4.75” across and is mounted on an acid free mat within a contemporary 10”x 10” white wood frame.SOLD
FLOWER QUEEN 2020
This fanciful oval embroidery is inspired by my love of observing birds and the rituals and memories shared over tea. A cherished teacup contains a tropical flower with a playful crowned Sunbird atop, all within a lush floral garden.
Appliquéd silks are embellished with stitch using the domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. The edges have a decorative braid and beaded detail. SOLD
BATHING IN FLOWERS 2020
This embroidery is inspired by one of my Aynsley teacups and some Vireo birds visiting my garden this spring. I love the idea of the flowers coming to life and being enjoyed by the birds. This work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine.
The edges of the embroidery are finished with a stitched braid.
SOLD
LOVE ALL AROUND 2020
This work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine. 10.75" x 10.75" SOLD
ODE TO THE MASTERS 2019
This embroidery honours the Dutch master painters, a family teacup, an extinct Madagascar Coua and the ceramic work of William de Morgan. These different elements are brought together as a celebration and acknowledgement of the past, hoping to bring joy and recognition. Appliquéd silks are embellished with thread using the domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool.
10.5" x 9" SOLD
FRANCINE IN THE FIELDS 2019
This circular embroidery is done on a ground of collaged silks using free motion stitching with my basic domestic sewing machine and colourful threads. The image is a fanciful composition based on drawings of my favourite bird, the New Zealand Fantail. This 5" circular artwork is mounted on mat within a white wood frame SOLD
FANCY TEA BIRD 2019
For this embroidery I drew a colourful exotic environment, a fanciful place to share a special tea with a special character offering a floral gift. It is a celebration of domestic ritual. Appliquéd silks on a cotton ground are embellished with thread using the domestic sewing machine as a drawing tool. This embroiderery measures 6" x 8.5" SOLD
WILLA IN THE GARDEN 2019
This circular embroidery is done on a ground of collaged silks using free motion stitching with my basic domestic sewing machine and colourful threads. The image is a fanciful composition based on drawings of William de Morgan ceramics and a Green Turaco. This 4" circular artwork is mounted on mat within a white wood frame. SOLD
THE THINKING TREE 2018
This embroidery is inspired by drawings and lots of time spent in this lovely spot beside a special old tree in Christie Pits, Toronto. I often use birds in place of people as I love drawing them so much and including them as characters in my work.
This work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine.
The edges of the embroidery are finished with a stitched braid.
This artwork 9"x 11.5" SOLD
BALANCING TEATIME 2018
This piece is inspired by the NZ Fantail, a friendly bird that loves to fly around you as you walk in the bush. Here, their natural plumage is reimagined to suit their colourful joyous character and combined with the playful balancing teacup and pot. This celebrates the rituals and memories of domestic life with family and friends.
Embroidered and appliqué silks 9.5" x 13.25" mounted on acid free mat within a white wood 17"x 21" frame SOLD
ODE TO THE YELLOW TEACUP 2018
This textile artwork is a celebration of a favourite yellow teacup and the memories it holds surrounded by rich patterns and birds inspired by ceramics at the ROM. This 8"x 8"work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine.SOLD
ROSIE IN HER HAT SIPPING TEA 2018
This oval embroidery is done on a ground of collaged silks using free motion stitching with my basic domestic sewing machine and colourful threads. The image is a fanciful and playful composition based on drawings of a favourite Polish teacup and bird Rosie in her special hat.The embroidery measures 4" x 5.5" is mounted on an acid free mat within a white wood frame. SOLD
GREEN TEA BIRD 2018
Embroidered and applique silks 5"x5" SOLD
NATALIE THE NON STOP NATTERER IN HER STARRY PALACE 1998-2018
The Natalie bird is based on a colourful character from my past that I have given a palatial home to enjoy. A collection of travel sketches from New Zealand and Asia inspired the building and landscape in the composition. I initially completed the embroidery with a quilted and pieced edge that provided a textile frame. A few years ago I decided to show this work again, and reframed it by removing the edge and refinishing this with a braided detail which showed the curved bottom edge.The fine organza ground is stitched freely with thread using a basic domestic sewing machine as my drawing tool SOLD
DECORATIVE ODE TO TEAPOT RITUALS 2017
Embroidery and appliqué silks 8.5" x 8.5" SOLD
DECORATIVE HEART IN FLORAL ON BLUE 2017
Embroidery and appliqué silks 8" x 8" SOLD
FLOWER TEA 2016
Free machine embroidery on cotton 7"x 6" SOLD
DREAMING UNDER THE OAKS 2014
Hand & free machine embroidery on organza
8.5" x 6.5" SOLD
DECORATIVE JUG 2014
In this embroidery a mix of drawn observations create the image. The jugs silhouette is used to contain a decorative and imagined composition of patterns and details inspired by textiles and ceramics at various museums.
This work is created using appliqué silks that are then richly embroidered using free motion stitching on my basic domestic sewing machine.
The 11" x 13" embroidery has been stretched and mounted behind a mat, within a 19"x21" white painted wooden frame.