I have been working with silk for 15 years, first with batik (the use of wax to control where the dyes go), and in the last 10 years with devoré techniques on silk/viscose velvets.I love the way that the threads in the fabric draw the dyes, and so allow for movement of colour that cannot be achieved on paper. Learning how to use screenprinting techniques to transfer a pattern onto fabric set me on the path to my Serendipity label – so called because the accidental nature of the colour movement on fabric produces the most surprising and unique results – no two pieces can ever be the same!

Natural forms are the inspiration for my work – fossils, leaves, the complex patterns found, for instance, in a snake’s skin. Each piece is either hand-painted, or dip-dyed and over-printed, and the edges are hand rolled, for a highly professional finish.

I was a psychotherapist for 20 years, and have a degree in chemistry (very useful now with the chemicals needed for some of the processes). Originally, the silk painting was simply a relaxing hobby.However, I have now been able to focus full-time on textiles, and have exhibited at many venues in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset areas in the last 5 years.

Venues include The Guild, Bristol; Black Swan Arts, Frome; Somerset Arts Weeks; One Craft Gallery, Shepton Mallett.

I am currently undertaking an MA in Textile Design at Bath Spa University. Watch this space as new techniques, equipment and ideas have their influence on my work!