2023 Plenty of Ticks in my Bucket List

As 2023 races to the end, I can only wonder at the joy I have experienced this year. Perhaps I am lucky or perhaps I work hard to achieve goals and make sure solid ideas become a reality. The highlight of this year was coordinating one of the best textiles exhibitions in Australia working with Sharon Peoples. It was her idea, and I was so happy to be asked to be a partner in this two-year project. We found 18 of the best hand embroidery artists in Australia and had them commit to completing a work for the exhibition plus write about their process. 52 works arrived and it was like Christmas opening each parcel. The book was launched at the Exuberance - An Embroiderers Perspective Exhibition, at Canberra Craft and Design gallery. and I have the honour (all be it a very nervous nellie) of opening the exhibit. Over 100 people came to the exhibit and reports suggested the pedestrian traffic over each day was excellent.

The book is now on sale on our websites, and we are often asked to do talks to groups around the country. Plus, classes are now in demand, and I have bookings over 2024 already. I would like to say to you that we are slef pubilished. We did this beacuse we believ the messages and essaya dn images are worth sharing. Australia is often forgotten when major publication from overseas feature textile artists so we wanted to showcase these men and woman .

I have been steadily working on another book, Contemplation cloth, making samples and reading as many textbooks as I can on creativity and improvisation. The science and psychology of creativity is an interesting line of thought.

I have spoken with some wonderful textile groups and been doing classes with all age groups. Plus, I have managed some significant trips overseas and in Australia. What a beautiful country we live in.

2023 Another book and a world first exhibition

"Stitching Stories: The Artistic Odyssey of Embroidery"

In the heart of Australia's creative landscape, amidst the vibrant hues of Canberra's Craft and Design Gallery, a remarkable convergence of talent and dedication unfolded. Dr. Sharon Peoples and her collaborator (ME) embarked on a journey that would weave together the threads of tradition, innovation, and boundless creativity. The result? An awe-inspiring exhibition and accompanying book that illuminate the world of embroidery in an unprecedented light.

For two years, a select group of Australia's most skilled hand embroiderers poured their hearts and souls into crafting works of unparalleled beauty. Each stitch, meticulously placed, tells a story of passion, perseverance, and profound artistic expression. From intricate floral motifs to abstract compositions that push the boundaries of the craft, every piece in the exhibition speaks volumes about the rich tapestry of talent within the Australian embroidery community.

"Exuberance: An Embroiderer's Perspective" is not merely a collection of artworks; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative nature of creativity. Through stunning imagery and insightful essays, readers are invited to delve into the world of each artist, exploring the inspiration behind their creations and the intricate processes that bring them to life. From the initial spark of an idea to the final embellishment, the journey of each artwork is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of its creator.

But the story doesn't end with the closing of the exhibition doors or the turning of the final page. For me , the journey continues beyond the confines of the gallery walls and the pages of a book. Amidst a whirlwind of travel and exploration, I still found quiet moments of introspection, to work on my next their next literary venture: "Contemplation Cloth."

In this upcoming book, slated for release in 2024, readers will be invited to accompany the author on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Like the delicate stitches that form the fabric of a Contemplation Cloth, readers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the stillness of the moment, while learning to leave traditional patterns behind and grow confidence in making their own unique works.

In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, where every moment seems to be consumed by the relentless march of time, it is perhaps in the quiet act of creation that we find our truest selves. Whether through the meticulous artistry of embroidery or the soul-stirring prose of a well-written book, the journey of creativity offers a sanctuary—a place where we can pause, breathe, and stitch together the fragments of our lives into something truly extraordinary.

2022 A Quiet Year of Reflection

Every day I stitch. This does not change. But when pondering the question “What is your process" I began to formulate a book. Improv Embroidery was self-published and is now on sale. In one year, I had sold most of all the 500 copies that were printed. The experience of writing a book, sharing all my thoughts on why stitching is good for you, debunking old fashioned ideas and showing the process to my readers was exactly what I needed during and after the pandemic. This book exposed me to the reader and communities, giving me the opportunity to talk about my passion. I was invited to be a tutor at ‘Textiles’ Halls Gap and teach to groups across the Eastern seaboard.

Summarising 2022 - Wonderful.

2021 Another Year of waiting for something to happen

Patience is a virtue and having the mental stability and strength was needed with gritted teeth to pass through this year. Another great year as the President of ACTTAA making strong ties and friendships with many of the members. I can proudly say I have added value to this group who remained string and focused. Helping each other, meeting when we can and planning more charity and fund raising ideas. Plus the final push for the annual exhibition and market stall.

My personal goal was to write and finish a book. Many, many samples were made and the book grew from my notes as I articulated what I wanted to share. While the editing was delayed the book was presented to the book designer in August for its final makeover. It will be on sale via Amazon and my website in September.

Another bucket list tick for me.

I was also successful applying for space in The Chute - a tiny space developed in the library chute when the building was a school and library. Coordinating with Floriade in Canberra it will be filled with three dimensional flowers as this long winter begins to break through to a new spring. Vaccinations have been slow (because its not a race!) but the new spring will come when we can travel freely and have the majority of folks vaccinated. Perhaps 2022.

I have spent the spare time reading and loving all the new books that came across my desk while giving my fingers a break. Roll on 2022.

2020 Embroidery officially recognised as drawing art

Such a disjointed year for us all so the best thing to do was keep on making, creating and being proactive, working around the restrictions and limitations.

I decided it was time to be more active in the community and filled a vacant spot with the ACT Textiles Arts Association. As the President I was able to add my enthusiasm and new ideas to group I just love. Women who make, contribute, do charity and have an exhibition each year. This year we added a market day to replace the hated raffle tickets and it was booming success. The weather was sunny but cold and restrictions were lifted that week so we had a great response. We have improved our promotional activities and have many more followers on facebook and Instagram,

I was also a lucky finalist in the M16 Artspace Drawing price with my Contemplation Cloth 64.

64 days of almost continuous embroidery as we waited for something to happen.

2019 Teacher, sharing and a icelandic experience

Another amazing year of creativity, travel and achievements.

The highlight would be completing of my double degree at the Australian National University, graduating late last year.

Completed in 2018 - Visual Arts degree and Art History and Curatorship degree.

I also facilitated a 10 week course, a community based program to offer new skills for older participants. It finished with a wonderful exhibition held at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre.

A textile residency in Iceland has been an experience that has allowed me to clear my mind of clutter and re focus and plan the next 12 months

A phone call at 1 am while in Iceland has been another highlight when I was informed I have been selected from over 600 entries to be one of the 45 works to be displayed in the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize.

2018 A year of Consolidation

A Final Push to complete my second degree, Art History and Curatorship was the main aim for this year. And it was worth the effort. I enjoyed the graduation far more than I had expected and the whole family celebrated and acknowledged this incredible achievement and hard work.

2017 A Years Work for an Exhibition

Another busy year as I extend my practice to include drawings with pencils and ink.  It has been a productive time as I was accepted into two more exhibits this year including the prestigious and competitive exhibition PIN 7 at ANCA, Canberra.  I used some simple techniques to construct PINs or brooches with counting blocks.  

I was invited to join a group of national artists who are enjoying the natural world of birds, capturing the connection with birds and humans . This exhibit was curated by Narelle Phillips and was officially opened by Deborah Clarks, Canberra Museum and Gallery Senior Curator. 

Over a total of 52 weeks I will be working with mixed media, including paper, ink and embroidery techniques to 'capture' birds I have met. Each week I have completed a bird using the best technique to suit the character and soul of the bird.  Each one is given a name to suit his/her character and will be displayed later this year. This is designed as a travelling exhibit for rural venues and overseas opportunities. 

This will be my first major solo exhibition.  

I have also been studying for my Art History and Curatorship degree at ANU, so it has been busy and interesting year. 

2016 Graduation and a corridor exhibition at M16

A year of preparation for our ANU Graduation Show.  Not wanting to be like the others, I just had to paint my allocated space pink. No more "white cubes for me!"

I have always been drawn to textile artworks that speak with words and symbols.  During my final year of my Visual Art Degree, I explored English language evolving to such an extent that it was not always understandable and created “fragments of a lost language.”

I am influenced by the relationship between words, meaning and interpretation. The English language evolves, and seemingly more rapidly today as technology, social media and cultural change occurs in our society. The aim of my final piece (or pieces) is to make a connection between women stitchers of the past who embroidered messages and communication on samplers.  I want to deconstruct the basic stitches used in their communication samplers, such as cross stitch and running stitch to encode and deconstruct. The final piece is aimed at transposing the Victorian sentiment into a contemporary setting.  The samplers will consist of simple marks to create a logic of language.

Momentum is a group of four artists who meet regularly to continue to explore and encourage each other and with group sprit we apply for one or two exhibitions per year. Dutch courage and group fortitude is a great combination to share a space. This year we were accepted to M16 in Canberra for a group exhibition, simply called "RED."  Concentrating on embroidery I happliy explore social issues attached to this colour. 

2015 The Pod Braddon

Sharing the limelight with 6 other talented Textile artists, we held an exhibition at The Pod in Braddon for two weeks. I sold most of the stock including some beautiful brooches and scarves. The framed work was well received and most of the stock sold. The commissioned works have now picked up and I am now in a private collection in the USA. 

2014 Commission Complete

A wonderful client launching a new restaurant, NH8 in Gungahlin Canberra. I was allowed to decorate the entrance with much colour and symbolism. 

This was also my second year of my visual arts degree were every day is a steep learning curve and my brain is challenged with new knowledge and ideas. I am learning to see rather than just look and develop new skills every day. 

2013 ANU Visual Arts Degree

February 18 is the beginning of a new direction for me. Taking the path of creative learning I have been accepted into the ANU School of Art for a Visual Arts degree. Introduced to 101 in many art forms I became familiar with various techniques used in textiles. Embroidery got me hooked and this is where my direction now take me. I have became very research based and exploring ideas, social and political issues of the day give me ideas for exhibitions.