Living most of my life by the sea has had a big influence on my work, in the play of light on the water, and in the items washed up by the sea, the way they are transformed by the water and in the force of the constant rolling tides.

I am also interested in natural forms, plants, seeds, trees and fossils, their structure and how these relate to stitch. The play of light on the colours and shapes of these forms and in their reflections and distortions in flexible, shiny surfaces has informed past work. Work in this area moves from large sculptural pieces for wall hangings or smaller framed works, as wearable art, to stitched photographs and abstract icons.

One of my latest bodies of work has been a response to aspects of Victorian society and art. This sprang from my degree dissertation on Victorian taste & Style influences, and many hours spent drawing & researching in the V&A. 

Ecology and recycling have been themes which have often run alongside my work as I have frequently been appalled at the waste we as a society produce in the forms of packaging.  Where ever possible I have tried to use recycled materials in my work. Not only does this offset my guilt in someway about buying things with plastic packaging, but also I have to admit to a secret passion for plastic.

Plastic is such a wonderful material to work with; it can be moulded, manipulated, easily cut & painted. It provides the sculptural elements I want to achieve in my work. I love the juxtaposition too of stitch into plastic; the softness of the thread next to the hardness of the plastic. 

The techniques I employ range from hand embroidery, especially needlelace techniques, knitting, felting and weaving, to the use of collage, found materials, plaster and wax.