Artist's Statement
The driving need of a trained designer to make things, and to make things better, informs my work. As I design, dye, paint or sew, I think about what I do, looking for easier, faster and better ways to make something beautiful or useful. Inevitably, the designer's favorite question "What if?" arises, and new work always comes from the answer.
I never sought to work in series until my most recent work led to a return to the basics of textiles as patchwork. In it, I revisit the inherent nature of cloth and its properties. Without prior plan, a selection of fabrics generates a tangible theme as it morphs into a work of art. Each piece reveals some hitherto hidden aspect of my experience, of my soul.
Looking back over work I made earlier, the pieces fall into collections resembling series, and some of those contain smaller groups. Each one represents time spent in pursuit of an idea. Whether involving a theme, image or construction method, my explorations have more to do with the inner mind than with physical or intellectual surroundings.
As I satisfy myself creatively, ideas arise for how new insights can help others. What I do successfully, I teach to others through articles, ebooks, lectures and classes. It is my most sincere hope that what I do, and what I teach others to do, enriches the lives of all concerned.