I arrived in Canada in 1994 ready to get my creative career started! I began by building up a body of work inspired by all the things I’d seen travelling over past few years. I did lots of drawing and painting trying to capture some of the memories and inspirations of the things that I’d seen, the wonderful rich colours, landscape and architecture. I was particularly interested in interiors so I designed and made a line of cushions and small pieces of furniture. Within a the short time the ottomans were doing really well. These small furniture pieces had custom made wooden or metal bases with upholstered velvet tops that I embroidered with lots of details of things like birds, trees, flowers etc. They were very playful and fun and the furniture was a big part of my business for many years. I would sell through shows like the TOAE (now TOAF) and other juried art/ craft shows. I would have a booth and display all the things that I’d created. I enjoy showing my work in this way, it gives me an opportunity to talk and share outside in the world.
I stopped making furniture after my second daughter. It was just too hard to get larger pieces completed. While my children were young, I focused on smaller projects like bags, brooches and small embroideries
Over the last for five years I really focused back on the foundation of drawing. I really enjoying exploring my ideas more thoroughly in my sketchbook and on different types of papers. My inspiration often comes from celebrating the simple joys in day to day life. From there I start my textiles, stitching my stories, and communicating my colourful visions.
Design is something I’ve always been very interested in. As a teenager I wanted to move to Milan and work there. Over the years I’ve done various design projects mostly creating prototypes for companies that need specialized textile solutions mostly in the sports and movie worlds.
Teaching is something I’ve done all along. Through workshops, after school kids classes and textile students at Sheridan College, I enjoy sharing the skills I have learnt and the enthusiasm I have for textiles.
Working as an independent artist you have to be quite creative and resourceful. I must admit though my happiest place is in my studio, messing about with materials and seeing where that leads me.
