I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, during the revival of arts and crafts in the bushy outskirts of Melbourne. Although not a sewer as such, I had been exposed to many different crafts, encouraged by my Mum who had an ‘artistic eye’ for everything.
I went into Primary teaching because I could not decide which of my passions to follow art, music or physical education?
Fast forward to now, I live in Northern Victoria on a fifth generation farm, surrounded by sheep and Riverina plains. I started quilting about 20 years ago when my children were babies. Our local learning centre was offering hand piecing classes. I can’t remember why I decided to take it up, except perhaps to try something new and get out of the house.
After about 10 years of making and giving away quilts, I was starting to feel unsatisfied just going from project to project. My husband said “you should design your own quilts” – famous last words! It was then I found the connection between art and quilting, and begun making pictorial quilts. I especially enjoyed depicting people interacting with their environment.

My pieces are often emotive and originate from a primary source as much as possible. I find inspiration all around me, even in the mundane things. The local flora and fauna is beginning to appear in my work, and I am only beginning to appreciate what is there. Drawing and painting is also becoming a mainstay of my practice, which helps to inform my sense of colour and composition.

Of great import is to achieve a balance between family, work, community and nurturing my passion for art (I don’t always get it right). I have recently retired from teaching to work full time on this passion. I am hoping to build a studio in the future, as at the moment the whole house tends to become cluttered with quilting and art stuff!

I use many techniques to make my quilts, but raw edge fabric collage is the one I rely on most. I find it very liberating. No seam allowances to turn under and you can work over it anyway you like: layer, stitch, paint. I also incorporate a lot of my own surface designed fabrics in my pieces, such as lino and screen printing, thickened dye painting, discharging, resist etc. I use both hand and machine stitching, together and seperately depending on what the piece needs. I like to use the machine like a pencil to draw.

As an emerging art quilter I have pieces in exhibitions around the country and overseas. My work is appearing in private and public collections and various media. I had my first solo exhibition in Oct/Nov in 2017. I am a member of Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) and Ozquilts.
I am available to conduct workshops and will consider commissions.

Me and my family at my solo exhibition 2017 : Austin, Erin and Cameron