“I first learned to weave while I was a student at an art college. I had a general degree in painting, sculpture, design and the use of different materials and processes, however, the practice of weaving, of using a handloom, working with yarn and designing for this ancient craft really intrigued me and has been my lifelong creative pursuit.

Working on Finnish looms, I make wall hangings and floor rugs using natural materials, wool and linen, patterns related to Irish textile heritage, such as twills and plain weaves, and techniques from the Scandinavian tradition, known as “transparent” weave, or “half tapestry”, and various rug weaving methods.

My recent work reflects abstract aspects of landscape, taking inspiration from the ever-changing colours, contours and textures found in nature.

I use the natural building of line upon line that occurs in weaving to move through merging colours, shapes and patterns on the loom, colours that move forward and retreat, contrast and blend, often moving from dark to light, combined with patterns that might suggest ripples on water, light through cloud or subtle organic textures, all combined to capture a sense or impression of a particular place or moment in time.

I use photography and drawing in the initial development of ideas. Then I design directly with the yarns themselves, blending and mixing threads of linen or wool, working with the interplay of warp and weft, thick and thin, creating new ways to make the most of the possibilities that the process of weaving can offer.”