Born

Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Education

• 1983 – University of Alberta: Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, majoring in Clothing and Textiles.
• 1982 – Penland School of Crafts (North Carolina): Surface Design
• 1982 – Haliburton School of Fine Arts (Ontario): Colour Theory

Other educational experiences for workshops including quilting, weaving, stitching, paper making, calligraphy.

Media

Surface design on fabric including

• Hand Painting
• Screen Printing
• Block Printing
• Cyanotype (Sun Printing)
• Shiborai/Tye Dye

Other techniques utilized are quilting, stitching, and wrapping.

Hand Painting on Silk, The Process

This technique originated in France and continues to be popular in surrounding European countries. To begin the process, a drawing is done on paper, to scale. White or lightly coloured silk is placed over the drawing and is traced onto the silk with a resist called "gutta". The resist is applied with a squeeze bottle that has a special nib attached for controlling the flow of the gutta. Upon drying, the fabric is suspended in a frame. Colour is painted on with brushes. The colour is very liquid in form, flowing and bleeding up to the resist lines. It is a dye that is made especially for silk fibres and requires a two to four hour steaming process to make the colour permanent. After steaming, the fabric is washed by hand to remove any excess dye particles that have not adhered to the silk. The silk is then ready to finish into the desired form.

Exhibitions

• June 2003 – "Alberta Scene". Traveling Show across Alberta., Alberta Craft Council. Edmonton, AB.
• Oct. 2000 – "Home on the Range". Station Cultural Centre., Okotoks, AB., Alberta Craft Council. Edmonton, AB.
• Dec. 1999 – "Heavenly Hosts". Devon House Craft Gallery. Saint John’s NF.
• May 1999 – "Art of Nature". Kerry Wood Nature Centre Gallery., Red Deer, AB.
• Sept. 1998 – "Unravelled". Alberta Craft Council. Edmonton, AB.
• May 1993 – "Spring Festival, Garments and Accessories Show". Pipestone Cottage Gallery and Crafts. Leduc, AB.
• Mar. 1992 – "Fashion Fest, A Promotion of Fashion in Alberta". Convention Centre. Edmonton, AB.
• Nov. 1990 – (solo) "Silk Concepts, A Celebration of Colour". Caelin Artworks and Design. Wetaskiwin, AB.
• April 1985 – "Northern Images." Needlecraft Guild National Conference Fashion Show and Exhibit. Edmonton, AB.
• May 1984 – "Soft and Silky, A Tribute to Spring". Multicultural Heritage Centre. Stoney Plain, AB.
• June 1982 – "Sakakke, Indigo Dyed Textiles Featuring African Textiles". Beaver House Gallery. Edmonton, AB.
• 1983 to 2005 – Numerous retail arts and craft shows in Alberta

Commissions

• 2005 – Lake Louise Ski Resort
• 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004 – Protocol Office of the Provincial Government of Alberta
• July 2000 – Friends of Banff National Park
• 2000, 2001 – Handbells, Etc.
• Mar. 1999 – Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners
• April 1993 – Northern Alberta Practionioners in Infection Control National Convention
• 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998 – Canadian Women’s National Rugby Union
• June 1988 – Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists
• Aug. 1987 – Muttart Conservatory – Chrysanthemum Show
• Feb. 1985 – Provincial Museum of Alberta – Reproduction of a 1920’s drapery fabric
• May 1983 – Crackerjacks Restaurant
• Numerous private commissions across Canada

Artist Statement

As long as I can remember, I have been creating. At the age of six I was designing and sewing Barbie outfits with scraps from my mother’s sewing projects. I am driven by an urge to create, feeling most satisfied when doing my art. Continuing with my passion for fibres, painting on silk provides an incredible freedom of expression for me. The colours attainable are amazingly intense, blending and dancing with the sheen of the silk. Draping, quilting, shaping and movement of the fabric offers an interesting dimension to the medium, which I love.

Most of my work is nature-inspired. There is a spiritual connection in discovering nature’s gems and interpreting them from my perspective. Simplicity of line and carefully chosen colours create a sense of calmness, of meditation. I often use colour boldly, expressing a celebration of the subject matter.

Quality, function and design are emphasized in my art. I believe in surrounding ourselves with art, incorporating it into a part of our every day life experiences. With my art, my goal is to enrich people’s lives and broaden their horizons.