Artist's Statement:

"I have been weaving for almost 45 years now, having originally started out as a Spinner. I sold my first hand spun yarns to Hayes Ltd in Christchurch. I weave in a studio at the front of my Sunshine Bay house overlooking the Queen Charlotte Sound. The backdrop to the Queen Charlotte Sound is the most wonderful line of hills, with their ever changing faces. To live in such a place of pure beauty is a major inspiration to my work and life.

Acquiring a loom in the mid 1960’s was very difficult and it was only through a chance encounter with a Frenchman, in Christchurch, that I managed to find one. My early weavings concentrated on earthy shades with New Zealand wools, knotted Rya Rugs, fleece rugs, tablemats and jackets, before colour, wonderful colour, burst into my sphere and I began experimenting with dyes, natural and then synthetic dyes.

In 1988, I entered the first show of wearable arts with a "Tribal Cloak" which was made of hand dyed New Zealand wool. A fabulous piece which was the beginning of my movement out of mainstream weaving. I had many entries in the Wearable Arts, until in 1998, I was asked not only to enter but to model in the older persons section!!! I was 81 at that time and relished the challenge!! It was a fantastic experience, which I will never forget.

By the early 1990’s I was again looking for new challenges and in 1992 I was lucky enough to take part in a one month weaving tour of Sweden. This has changed my style of weaving dramatically. Everywhere I went I saw the most beautiful Damask Linen - it took me completely - and on returning to New Zealand I imported a Shaft Draw System Damask Loom, from a top loom maker in Sweden. I believe this is the only loom of its type in New Zealand. Therefore setting the loom up and using it has been very much an experience!! I now weave totally on my Damask loom. The finest tablecloths of a quiet natural colour, to bright and bold wall hangings - they are all exciting for me as a weaver and an artist.

My latest exhibition was at the Suter Gallery in Nelson, in conjunction with other Professional weavers. At 93 years old, I am still learning, trying new tricks of the trade, and growing from my weaving and the contact I have with other artists & weavers."