What inspired you to mix traditional domestic imagery with
modern industrial processes?
I really enjoy experimenting, layering and coating materials.
The powder coating is really fun to do and I love the painterly
aspect of mixing the powders to get just the right colours. I think
the combination of smooth vivid colour and very intricate silver or
gold lace patterns really set each other off. They are very
different techniques and I enjoy being able to work in different
ways; working with a tiny crochet hook to dipping house frames in
powder.
Your pieces all seem very personal – is there any design that
has a particularly special meaning for you?
They are all very meaningful to me as they have all started off
as sketches and ideas and to see them as finished pieces is always
very special. I do especially like the powder-coated pieces, as
they are probably a little more quirky and fun. I took a lot
of inspiration from the colours in the house I grew up in.
Are there any artists you particularly admire, and who inspire
or influence your work?
I usually get my inspiration from my sketchbooks. I collect
colour combinations, materials forms and textures I find
interesting. There are many artists I admire across the different
disciplines. Karl Fritsch, Jack Cunningham, Adam Paxon and Lynne
Kirsten Murray are some of my favorite jewellers. I also love Rob
Ryan’s paper cut outs and Kittie Jones' drawings and paintings.
Tell us about the collection you’re presenting in Meet Your
Maker
I will be presenting a collection of pieces that are all lace
and crochet inspired, precious metals and gem stones, some with
powder coated home imagery, traditional crochet floral patterns and
others elaborate lacy heart forms.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to carry on my workshop in Perth. I really enjoy making
my work in the gallery space and being able to chat away to
customers and take commissions. I am applying and submitting work
for exhibitions and competitions all over the place, keeping very
busy. I also have a trip to Chile planned to work with a textile
designer there as part of a prize I won at Art School. I also hope
to be involved with more Craft Scotland exhibitions and events in
the future.
What is your favourite piece of craft that you own?
I know a lot of people who make things, in particular my
parents. My dad studied ceramics and I have three little stoneware
peacocks he made for me when I was little that are very special to
me. My mum has been taking evening classes in fused glass and made
me a really lovely jewellery box last Christmas. These are probably
my favourite pieces of craft work that I own as they also have a
lot of sentimental value as well as being heartfelt gifts.
Having the gallery means I am always being tempted by lovely
objects: Lisa Rooney’s ceramics and Lindsey Gardener's textiles are
some of my facourite things. I recently bought a mug by Garnet
McCuloch, it’s the most amazing blue colour and I drink about ten
cups of tea a day so a good tea mug is very important to me.