In late September I head to Toowoomba ,Australia to Fibre Arts. I will be doing a class with Cherilyn Martin called 'Exploring Creativity'. I thought it was time to have some creative input as there has been a lot of 'outputting' with the latest rounds of classes. In Preparation I have chosen my theme (seedpods) and have begun to do some preliminary work in my sketchbook. I have collected images, words, poetry,done sketches, made notes about ideas and how I might work. Always an exciting part of the process. It will be wonderful to share some time with other creative spirits.
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On Saturday i had the pleasure of talking to a group of enthusiastic ladies about my 'creative journey' so far.I took some of my earlier pieces (quilts, dolls,bags,books..)It is always interesting to reflect on my life after I give a talk like this. All the surface information and facts, but not the heartbreak, the turmoil and self doubt.The part that makes me who I am and helps me to do what I do. Their enjoyment was wonderful to see. i was delighted to share with them, but it also makes me remember pieces that I don't have any more. Parts of my heart and soul out there in the world.
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After several months of being locked out of my own website I am now able to access things again (I hope). Posting a quick hello to everyone to check this page is now ok again. A busy few months. Will update when
​I know I am 'live' again.

Yesterday I spent most of the day hanging the exhibition at the Nelson Suter Art Society room. Seven of us are sharing the space. It is intriguing to see where the title has led each of us. I feel it looks very cohesive, although the work varies immensley in style. We open tonight, so it will be interesting to see the public reaction. I was too busy to take photos but will remedy this. I am really pleased with the look of my work.A slightly new direction but I am loving it.Watch this space.
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I have been playing with layering different elements to create a cohesive piece. Postcard sized, so not overthinking or taking too much time. Allowing the design to become what it will....
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My joint exhibition opens in the McKee room at the Nelson Suter Art gallery next Tuesday (oct 2nd). I am frantically trying to complete pieces ready for this. My work is referencing old journeys and cartography so the titles reflect this...Marco Polo's Visions, the Mystic's Dream and similar names to capture the essence of the ancient. Colours are muted, romantic and have the feeling of fragile parchments, the edge of awareness...soft greens, rusts, the colours of earth and sand...come travel with me...
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The new studio is progressing well, although always slower than hoped for... This lovely big window looks out to sea across the boulder bank towards the Abel Tasman National Park. I continue to dream of the work I will create there, the feeling I will hold to my heart as I allow the space to be the place where I can be the best of myself, to nourish my soul and allow the magic to arrive. How blessed am I ?
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Last night I attended the opening of the Spring exhibition at the Suter Gallery , Nelson. I have had two small paintings accepted. They looked good on the wall. One is a snowy farm scene (not my usual style of work) and the other is an abstract impression of a chapel door I saw in Spain. It uses various mixed media to give the look of crumbling walls and old gardens. I received lots of lovely comments.There was a huge range of styles of work submitted, and apparently quite a lot of 'non-selected' work. 
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