Welcome
I am a textile artist and dress designer working in West Oxfordshire
My inspiration comes mainly from nature - the turning of the seasons and the interaction between man and nature. I am fascinated by the way nature can reclaim the crumbling walls of abandoned buildings as they decay and yet evidence of man's activity thousands of years ago can still be found preserved in the earth. I use a variety of methods including fabric painting and printing, crazy patchwork techniques, layering of sheer fabrics, hand and machine stitchery and mixed media to create depth and texture. Re-cycling and preservation of the environment is a strong personal ethos and finds expression in my use of scraps of fabric and threads left from dressmaking and charity shop finds and even old plastic bags laminated onto fabrics or used as thread.
I have always been a keen needlewoman since I was taught to stitch, knit and crochet by my grandmothers. During secondary school an inspiring art teacher introduced me to textile collage and, after studying for a degree in fashion and textile design, I combined designing and creating couture garments for individual clients with bringing up my two sons. A keen interest in hand and machine stitchery led me to study Parts 1 and 2 of the City and Guilds qualification in Creative Embroidery. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course which encouraged me to experiment with many different materials, techniques and traditions and this fired my enthusiasm to teach others. To further my teaching skills I gained the City and Guilds certificate in Further and Adult Education which has enabled me to extend my teaching to adult learning centres and Abingdon & Witney College.
I have exhibited and sold my work through the West Ox Arts Association, the Oxford Embroiderer’s Guild, the South West area Embroiderer’s Guild Festival, the Knitting and Stitching Show in London, Eynsham Arts Group, Buttercross Quilters and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge.
Commissions welcome, please contact me to discuss your requirements.
All images on this site are copyright © Kerry Forkner