Born in Cornwall, I can remember as a child being encouraged by Mum to be creative and Granny taught me how to crochet. I learnt macramé, I would draw, paint, make tapestry samplers and embroider. Looking back I can see that creativity was a natural and inherent part of my family life.
I have memories of being given craft kits for Christmas, a weaving loom, paint by numbers and glitter pictures. I enjoyed the satisfying feeling of having accomplished something that I had made myself. I went on to complete an Art Diploma at Cornwall College and then studied Printed Textile Design at Loughborough College of Art & Design. After completing my Degree I moved to Oxford and worked as a Freelance Textile Designer for a while before getting a job at the Bodleian Library. |