During Lockdown I have walked most days and enjoyed finding new local paths to explore. Fortunately, I live in the Surrey Hills close to a large vineyard called ‘Denbies’ which provides interest all year round. This landscape is always picturesque, particularly in winter when the vines appear gnarled and withered, forming rhythmic patterns across the hillside. I’m fascinated by the gestural marks they create which particularly appeal to the textile artist in me.
My interest in photography means I always have a camera with me to record things I notice or want to remember. Some shots I reserve for inspiration but recently I’ve experimented with printing them onto fabric. I’ve started adding stitches and collaging with other fabrics so that mini compositions are developing. I now regard these textile pieces as part of my ‘sketching’ process because they help me to simplify compositions.
Over the past few months I've been reflecting on my connection to this landscape and how I can express this in a sensitive and meaningful way. These musings have highlighted my interest in life cycles and the relationship between naturally occurring ones e.g. in the landscape and also the human life cycle. I was 60 last year so becoming increasingly aware of my own mortality and how treasured life is.
I’ve finished a couple of the paintings in this series and they are now available to purchase in my shop as Fine Art Prints. I intend to continue working with this theme partly so I may capture the seasonal changes as they occur but also because I’ve come to realise that natural rhythms, horizons, light and organic forms are an enduring interest for me. I’m also truly excited to see where further creative investigation may take me.
