artist bio
One day while searching in my Grandmother’s attic, I discovered a burlap potato sack and was immediately drawn to the beauty and versatility of this material. The sturdy porous fabric lends itself wonderfully to weaving and painting. I create tapestries out of a love for weaving. This process enables me to express my visions through the tactile experience. I love the feel of the wool as it runs through my fingers and my cats are fond of it as well, they often jump on my lap and try to grab the wool.
In my work, I employ elements which attempt to fuse images from both the natural world and the industrial age. Many a happy evening has been spent scouring the Toronto Beaches for polished glass and worn metallic objects. I further incorporate beads and other natural elements, which are woven into the fabric and embellished.
I always wanted to create tapestries, but not in the classical tapestry sense. I strive for innovation, pushing boundaries and breaking the rules of the traditional tapestry. Where traditionalists weave only textile materials, I use the textile as my canvass.
Although I was initially drawn to the simplicity and texture of the human form, the figures began to emerge. Amazon Warriors and Renaissance nudes, which seek to project the eternal conflict between the self and society as well embodying beauty and sensuality.
The found objects serve to add a further textual level, where they not only define the form, they protect it. Painting adds a further dimension and yet another textual element, the images become alive. These materials ground the images and speak to the everyday realities and challenges of life.
To view my resume click here [PDF].