From my adventurous Zimbabwean childhood growing up in Harare, to my early textile experiences made on a hand-cranked sewing machine, gifted to me by my grandmother, I feel I have now come full circle in pursuit of my current textile aspirations.
After moving to Australia and subsequently to the Central Coast, I quickly realised how similar the flora and environmental images reflect those of my native land.
A serendipitous meeting and subsequent study with Alan R Tremain of Oz Quilt Design, triggered many dormant ideas which enthused and enlightened me to start designing quilt based textiles for interiors.
My textile stories encompass my newly found passion for dyeing and manipulating fabrics and found objects for mood enhancing interior décor.
Many of my contemporary abstract works are elemental landscape inspired and support my growing awareness of the continuing global environmental issues facing us today.
It is said that ‘art soothes, softens and tends the soul and we should all endeavour to bring more into our lives’.
As my repertoire of skills and techniques evolve, I look forward to designing and making many wondrous creations, enjoying the adventures as they unfold.
After moving to Australia and subsequently to the Central Coast, I quickly realised how similar the flora and environmental images reflect those of my native land.
A serendipitous meeting and subsequent study with Alan R Tremain of Oz Quilt Design, triggered many dormant ideas which enthused and enlightened me to start designing quilt based textiles for interiors.
My textile stories encompass my newly found passion for dyeing and manipulating fabrics and found objects for mood enhancing interior décor.
Many of my contemporary abstract works are elemental landscape inspired and support my growing awareness of the continuing global environmental issues facing us today.
It is said that ‘art soothes, softens and tends the soul and we should all endeavour to bring more into our lives’.
As my repertoire of skills and techniques evolve, I look forward to designing and making many wondrous creations, enjoying the adventures as they unfold.
The Sentinal
Framed 58 x 48 cm This Sentinel tree standing guard over the ocean Satin & cotton fabric, acrylic paint with textile medium, thread, backing |
Red Crowned Cranes Dancing
Hanging 48 x 43 cm The dance of the Japanese Red Crowned Cranes Silk & cotton fabric, acrylic paint with textile medium, thread, ribbon, backing |
Red Crowned Cranes on Blue Silk
Hanging 54 x 43 cm The majestic Japanese Red Crowned Cranes Silk fabric, wool, acrylic paint with textile medium, thread, backing |
© 2022 ALL IMAGES AND TEXT ARE COPYRIGHT UTOPIAN TEXTILES & JANICE MELVILLE