A Scottish Based textile artist thats style is very delicate yet bold...
What is more important
to you, the subject of the work or the way it is executed?
Both to be honest. I have an idea, or image in my head
or a photo of a place that is somehow special to me and then I try to recreate
it using merino fibres as my paint. I strive to create something of the essence
of my original idea/image but perhaps with a more ethereal quality.
Do you have a University
Degree? If so what course did you study and which university?
I have a BA (Hons) in Design from Glasgow School of
Art. I specialised in printed textiles.
What environment do you
find yourself working in the best?
I work well from my Wasps studio in Selkirk. I have
my own space within a huge old textile mill working alongside twelve other
artists. It is good to have the buzz and company when you want it and equally
have my own space where I can focus when working.
What is your main
inspiration?
Beautiful landscapes and skies which surround me in
the beautiful Tweed Valley where I live in the Scottish Borders. Also love the
west coast of Scotland and the Highlands. Anywhere I go where I see beauty is
an inspiration to me. Colours inspire me, the sky inspires me...
What advise would you
give to a fresh graduate that wants to pursue a career like yours?
Work within the industry; learn about marketing,
selling, pr, advertising etc. I know so many talented artists who don’t have a
clue about business. Sadly you need both to be able to create a business out of
your passion.
What motivates you to
create your pieces?
I constantly think myself very fortunate to be
doing what I love doing, and make a living out of it. I have a real drive and
passion for things that I find aesthetically pleasing and want to share that
beauty with others. I love when somebody buys my work because they really want
to live with it, rather than as an investment.
Does failure motivate
you?
I come from a very hard working and positive family
where failure has not been a word ever used. We are all very passionate about
what we enjoy doing so guess we just get on and do it. Maybe the drive is an
unconscious fear of failure now you ask, now you've got me thinking!
Where do you feel your
practice is going?
Since I have shared my ideas openly in my first
book I am now finding that what I do is no longer quite as unique. It is good
to share something like this that brings pleasure to others. Again because of
the book my work is not getting exposure to a much wider audience which has led
to offers of teaching etc worldwide which is nice. I am constantly trying
to improve my technique and stay one step ahead.
Did you ever think you wouldn't get this far?
No! I read a book a while back called 'Excuse me your life is waiting’, I believe you can achieve anything you want if you
just believe you can. Quite simple really, it’s magic.
Who is your favorite artist?
Well my dear uncle, John
Prentice has always been a great inspiration. I don’t think I have one favorite
artist; I admire some work by lots of different artists. There was a
Scottish artist called Joan Eardly whose work I have enjoyed most recently.
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