Foraging, finding, gathering and then selecting and sorting collections are integral to developing my ideas. Some found objects quickly become embedded in a piece of work , others wait, capturing a moment, a reminder of a place, a tangible connection to a significant moment.
A love of materials and working by hand, the magic of transforming something mundane into something special is central to my way of working. Over time the gradual shift to using mixed media together with fabric and stitch offers opportunities to reveal unexpected connections, overlaying and recording ideas.
Studies and travel in Africa and India continue to enrich my learning and awareness of other cultures. Personal collections of traditional textiles and beadwork not only inspire my work but are a wonderful source of inspiration for workshops and students.
It’s rewarding as Textile Advisor to support the conservation and care of church textiles at Lincoln Cathedral and York Minster and in the past at Guildford and Coventry Cathedrals. It’s also an opportunity to encourage the commission of new church textiles.
Most of all I love sharing and developing work with others and enjoy the buzz of teaching and mentoring those who have a passion for creative textiles and want to extend their practice.
I offer:
I am a full member of the Embroiderers’ Guild and an active member of The Textile Study Group.
Mary Sleigh 