Textile Study Group

artists and tutors sharing ideas imagination and skills

Up at the Dam - the Seasons Passing
A triptych with closing doors in mixed media
1.50 metres wide (when open) x 90cms
Closer view

I graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with an MA in Fine Art/Painting and remained living and working in Scotland. Through teaching in schools, I acquired a passion for textiles and soon discovered how the qualities of this medium could enhance my painterly way of working.

I was a member of the 62 Group from 1974-81, leaving to became founder chairman of the New Scottish Embroidery Group and subsequently first Chairman of EDGE scottish textile artists in 2000. In 1993 I was invited to join The Textile Study Group and as Chairman and Exhibitions organiser curated the TSG's recent touring exhibition "Creative Dialogues".

Landscape is the prime inspiration for my work. If you're born and brought up in London, as I was, then move to a country famous for its dramatic landscape, like Scotland, it introduces a whole new element into your life. My current work is based on the amazing abstract patterns which mark the hillsides of Glengairn following the ritual heather burning.

After retiring from full time teaching, I have had more time to develop my work in depth culminating in a show - "As the Rivers Run" with Rosemary Campbell which, supported by Aberdeenshire, Fife and Borders councils, toured Scotland in 2009.

I have often used the traditional triptych as a way of bringing together variations of colour and atmosphere into a single work. It was one such piece that was purchased by The Museum of Scotland for their contemporary textile collection in 2001.

Almost as an antidote to this serious reflection on landscape I enjoy working in three dimensions, often creating "fun" objects like the flying stove I created for the TSG exhibition at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. I enjoy the problem solving involved and the opportunity to make something that will intrigue the onlooker and even make them smile.

Over the years I have exhibited widely and my work has been collected in the UK, the USA and Hong Kong. I have written many articles for magazines such as Embroidery and Stitch and my work has been featured in books such as Margaret Swain's History of Scottish Embroidery and Pauline Brown's Decoration on Fabric.

I now work as a freelance lecturer and workshop tutor throughout the UK.

Trapped in the Peat - detail
Preliminary study in felt, bone and stitch
H 27cms x W 20cms
Closer view

Alison King
Alison King's web site